He Will Restore our Souls

        Recently it has been brought to my awareness that 2 of the basic components of love that a  human being needs to grow in "soul" (mind, will, emotions) health are acceptance and a sense of belonging. God designed this to happen within the context of family, with 2 parents who give those things to a child.With the reality of so many in this world who have not received these 2 vital elements, as evidenced by the inner turmoil and conflict within (and without) ,leads to a question which begs to be answered. The question is: If a human being does not receive these 2 necessary things in their foundational years, is the fate of that one futile, or can they be instituted later, even when a person is well along in age? Plainly,  is there any hope for that one ever being at peace and being whole?
     The answer is encouragingly, "YES."  Jesus, our Shepherd, says that He will restore our souls. (Psalm 23) This process is major and life-changing. If we will but receive what He has to offer, He will impart to us, supernaturally, as only He can, these foundational "gifts".
     How do we receive? What do we do? We simply let Him give to us. We acknowledge our need, and rely on Him to do the work inside of us. This may go through many stages in our lives, but be assured that if  Christ is living on the inside of us, His light can not help but dispel the darkness. Soon we will discover that we are feeling more and more secure in knowing that we are accepted by Him, and that He chose us, and we belong or are welcomed by Him. Those realities will help the former reactions we've had, due to our insecurities, to disconnect, and the peace will come, and even grow over time.
     His light in us brings new life. Even if our souls have been "killed" so to speak by neglectflul, or permissive, abusive, and even hateful parents or no parents at all, it is God that makes all things new once we come to Him through Jesus Christ. It IS NOT HOPELESS. In fact, it is hopeful. You may think you are too much of a project because of your "screwed-upness," but He doesn't. In fact, it's not even hard for Him. He can get rid of all the hate, all the jealousy, all the anger, all the depression, all the guilt, all the fears, and the other junk that has been programmed into you, if you will believe and receive from Him, the only life giving source, from who all goodness and grace comes from.
     Be patient with Him, though, and know that He knows you, and knows what you can take, and how much at one time you can take. The process isn't pain free, unfortunately. In fact, this transformation is pain-filled. The old ways "die hard." We are comfortable with being sick. So, He slowly gives us a little medicine (the acceptance and belonging of His Love) at a time, until we realize it's a good thing, and want more and more of it. Some of us have been so fearful to trust anyone for so long, that we are even afraid to trust God, and He knows that about each one of His, and gauges the "prescription" accordingly.
    So, THAT'S GOOD NEWS, isn't it? HE RESTORES OUR SOULS. YES, THERE IS HOPE AND ACCEPTANCE AND BELONGING FOR YOU, AND HIS NAME IS JESUS.