We do not use the word soul very often, but it is important to understand. As followers of Christ, when we talk about souls, we are talking about the part of us that is eternal and lives forever. We are talking about the part of us that immediately goes to be with Christ forever when we die. With this understanding, it only makes sense that Jesus taught that part of the most important commandment is to love God with all of our souls in Matthew 6:21. Let’s take the next few minutes to explore what it looks like to love God with all of our souls.
David gives us a picture of what it looks like to love God with all our souls in Psalm 103. He wrote: “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name” (verse 1). The English Standard Version translates this verse as “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” The rest of this chapter is a clear picture of what it looks like to love God with all of your soul. David continues in this chapter by remembering everything God has done for Him. He talks about God’s forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and good gifts. After remembering all of these things, He praises God. Finally, as this Psalm ends, he writes, “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord” (verse 22). When we love God with all of our souls, we cannot help but praise Him for everything He has done for us. This not only means praising Him with our words but also living in such a way that honors Him through our obedience.
David set a beautiful example for us of what it means to love God with all of our souls. Loving God with our souls means remembering everything God has done and praising Him for it, both through our words and our lifestyle. When was the last time you reflected on everything Christ has done for you and praised Him for it? So, friends, let’s not forget everything God has done for us and His goodness. When we were lost in our sins, He found a way to rescue us. So let’s love God with all of our souls, praising Him with everything in us.
Write out a prayer of praise similar to David’s prayer in Psalm 103. In your prayer, remember everything Jesus has done for you. Write about his goodness and kindness to His people. Then praise Him for it and thank Him for everything He has done for you. He deserves all of the praise we have to offer.
"Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom."
