The most fortunate son of David, the man after God’s own heart, when told by God that he could ask for anything, chose a prosperous soul over any other natural provision. Somehow Solomon had the insight to know that dealing wisely and peacefully with circumstances and people would be much more valuable to him than just obtaining things that could be taken away at some point. The treasure of a soul at peace and with clarity of discretion proved to be the correct valuation for him, as this wealth would enable the acquisition of every other thing that he could have asked for. His was a most dramatic demonstration of how a soul’s worth can impact other critical storehouses in life. When first the soul prospers, then the way can be made for any other area with peace. This peace can even come far before the arrival of any other value, as its source is independent of those things. If, however, the soul is impoverished and ill cared for, it will be unable to enjoy any provision in true peace.
Placing value into the soul and ensuring its prosperity, then, is of the highest priority. This is often an area of neglect, however, as temporal treasures are sought after and carefully protected. Tragically there is a great tendency for many to “gain the world, but lose their souls” (Mark 8:36), and eventually everything. As riches, entertainment, careers, and relationships increase in invested worth, they can become a reason for disrupted peace at the slightest potential of their loss. Whenever perception of peace is based upon something that can be lost, it is unstable and precarious. For there to be the necessary care of the soul’s peace, other priorities will have to be released and let go. In order to invest in the peace that will cause the soul to prosper in any condition, those other cares will have to be cast, allowing room for what will last through anything.
In Christ we’ve been given abundance of life that can never be taken away by any condition we’re challenged with. One of the most critical elements of this life is the peace found only in His presence and Word. When time and resources are given to this peace as a precedent to anything else, it enables a fruitful end, no matter the circumstance. As the soul is liberated from insecurities, discouragements, rejection, guilt, condemnation and shame in the presence of the Master, so solutions to those conditions will be received there in Him as well. The actions of faith that will stand victoriously against the challenges will come through a soul that is rich in peace from much time and resources invested there.
What are some of the reasons for fear, anxiety and poverty of the soul?
Statistics…
Aug 2020- April 2021, anxiety raised 41percent
Suicide second leading cause ages 11-30
What do you consider to be of greatest value in resolving any of those issues?
Investment in the soul equips for prosperity beyond the need.
Peace:
The condition of the soul where its tranquility is independent of circumstances and it is positioned to positively affect them.
Peace means. Shalom...nothing missing nothing lacking nothing broken
Soul prosperity – mind rich in peace
Wisdom – sound judgment from a soul established in peace.
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
What is of more worth than the soul?
Mark 8:36-37 (NKJV) 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
The soul free from stress of circumstances and people is prepared for wisdom’s riches.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”
As the soul prospers – so does the body and resources
3 John 1:2 (NKJV) 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
How to establish the soul in peace?
Come. Connect with Jesus’ heart and rest
Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Jesus took our weight of condemnation so we can readily receive His treasure of peace
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Made blameless for peace
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
With body presented in holiness – transformation of the mind by the Word.
Romans 12:1-2 AMPC [1] I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Humble self – cast cares
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV) 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Let go of anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving – think only good
Philippians 4:6-8 AMPC [6] Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ( definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. [7] And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. [8] For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Peace received as fear and intimidation are rejected
John 14:27 AMPC [27] Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
Keeping the mind on God sets a guard on the soul’s peace.
Isaiah 26:3 AMPC [3] You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
- Come
- Receive redemption
- Be cleansed
- Present for transformation
- Cast cares
- Let go/take on
- Reject troubling thoughts
- Keep mind/receive guard
Overview:
- The most valuable resource for any circumstance – a soul established in peace.
- From the soul’s peace will come wisdom for resolution.
- To establish peace for the soul must first come to the Prince of Peace.
- Receive the rest His redemption has won.
- Be cleansed by His blood from all fear in condemnation.
- Humbly let go of cares and cast them upon Him.
- When anxious thoughts come, take them to God in prayer and think only His thoughts.
- In keeping the mind continually on Him, activate the guard of the soul’s peace.
Prayer:
As You have taken on Yourself any reason I might have to be fearful or anxious, fill me ever more with the fulness of this truth. Surround my soul completely with its peace and rest. I present my whole being to You now, casting all its cares and bringing any concern to You to exchange it for the good thoughts that will transform my whole life. As my soul prospers in You, allow its treasure to affect every other part of my life’s influence with peace.
Declarations:
- In Christ I have been established in righteousness, far from any fear or terror, with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind.
- Christ has carried anything of mine that could rob me of my treasured peace and delivered me from its weight.
- By His blood I have been cleansed from any guilt and condemnation.
- I present my whole spirit, soul, and body to be completely transformed by the renewing of my mind from any conformation to the world.
- I humble myself now in His presence, casting all care I used to think was my responsibility, trusting Him to care for it completely.
- Anything that used to bring anxiety now simply triggers a prayer encounter and intentional thinking on only good things.
- As I keep my mind on the Greater One, He guards my soul with peace that passes all understanding.
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