I. Introduction
A. The soul in Scripture
1. There are a few words that seem to be interchangeable in Scripture at times and also unique at other times regarding that part of us which is not physical.
2. OT- (Hebrew נֶפֶשׁ nep̄eš or רוּחַ rûaḥ)
a. Genesis 2:7 (soul)
b. Genesis 6:17 (breath)
3. NT- (Greek ψυχή psychē or πνεῦμα pneuma)
a. Matthew 10:28 (soul)
b. 1 Corinthians 5:5 (spirit)
4. While there are several ways to describe this part of ourselves, it appears that it has to do with defining the essence of who we are – our complete nature, not just the physical one.
5. Quotes about the soul:
a. “You don’t have a soul. You ARE a soul. You have a body,” is an interesting quote often wrongly attributed to C.S. Lewis, but it is actually a version of a statement written by George MacDonald.
b. “As with soul, the word ‘spirit’ may take on different senses, depending upon its contextual setting. Spirit can refer to the air we breathe or the wind. A spirit can refer to a non-physical being. A spirit can refer to a person. Spirit can be used as a synonym for the soul. A spirit can refer to a mental state or disposition.” — Wayne Jackson, The Christian Courier
B. My Soul (Psalm 62 & 63)
1. In our passages tonight, the psalmist speaks of his soul. The term refers to their essence, the reality of who they are in the eyes of God. There are no false pretenses, just the raw person before God.
2. As we listen tonight to the psalmist, what they write may resonate with you.
3. Tonight, the psalmist reminds us of a few things our souls should understand, which make life better for the believer.
II. My Soul
A. My Soul (62:1)
1. The word “alone” or “only” is a prominent feature of this psalm. It denotes the author’s complete upon God.
2. The image of waiting in silence is a sign of a soul that has placed its confidence completely in God
a. WHY? Because he has witnessed God be his rock, salvation, and fortress.
b. It is as if verses 1-4 are his request, and then verses 5-8 are him answering himself because he already knows that God will deliver him. In verse 5, he begins to speak in the future tense.
c. He is waiting on God’s reply, and as he waits, he reminds himself that God is a refuge for those who seek Him (v. 8).
d. He goes from saying that he will not be greatly shaken (v. 2) to he will not be shaken at all (v. 6).
e. The soul that has learned to wait on God does so because they believe in God’s power and His steadfast love (v. 11).
3. Trials provide opportunities for our faith to . Quite often, trials are long, drawn-out affairs. In the middle of those storms, we can be examples of those who are not afraid but confident.
4. In the 39th Psalm (one of the other Psalms for Jeduthun), in verse 7, after asking what he waits on, he says, “My hope is in you.”
5. The waiting soul is one that is trusting in God in the midst of the chaos and trials of life.
B. My Soul (63:1)
1. The setting for this psalm is most likely when David is on the run from his own son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15-17).
2. The depiction is one of longing to find in this life that only God can provide.
3. How does he do it?
a. -He looks to God (v.2)
b. – He knows of God’s steadfast love (v.3), which his better than life and trusts in it because of what it ultimately means for him. Life without God is cold, harsh, and devoid of meaning.
c. – He will bless God (v. 4). The psalmist wants to praise God with all that he has.
4. Result
a. soul (v. 5)- I will find contentment.
b. -filled soul (v. 8)- I will find a place to rest from my enemies (whoever they might be).
III. Conclusion
A. The Soul
1. One of the things we know about the soul/spirit is that it is the part of us that is truly who we are.
2. It can be shaped for good or bad.
3. If we wait on God and thirst for Him, we will grow closer to God no matter the circumstances of life.
B. Invitation
1. Your soul/spirit will spend eternity in one of two places: heaven or hell.
2. Make sure your soul finds eternal satisfaction, comfort, and peace.