Soul
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
The word heart in this verse comes from the Hebrew word, “nephesh.” It is translated into the English word, “soul” 475 times in the Bible. The definition denotes, “soul, self, appetite, mind, desire, emotion, passion; activity of mind, will and character.” Hence the phrase, “as the heart thinks.” In other words, it includes both the heart and the mind.
This verse is not referring to the spiritual being, but rather the soul, or the personality of a person. I like to refer to the personality as the thinker, the feeler, and the picker because it encompasses what we think, feel, and choose. So, what does this mean in the context of this verse? It means that what we believe in our minds, feel in our hearts, and the choices that we make form the paradigm that we live within. Ultimately, this molds who we become.
Let’s make this relevant. Is it possible that some of the “bad habits” you have, or toxic behaviors you struggle with are connected to a reoccurring though or emotion? Consider the thought, “I’m a failure” might develop unhealthy patterns, thus forming a person’s paradigm, albeit a false paradigm. Simply said, this verse captures the power our thoughts and emotions have to navigate who become.
Lining Ourselves Up with God
We must recognize the power of becoming thoughts or feelings. Moreover, consider the power of becoming the result of your choices, one decision at a time. The point is, you can change the course of your life by starting with your soul; your mind, your emotions, and your will. This can either work for you, or against you.
Take a moment to ask if your soul is reconciled, or in agreement with what God says is true about YOU. Or is your soul agreeing with lies? Let’s start lining ourselves up with God by declaring this together. “God, I declare that I have the mind of Christ and the heart of God. Today, I will think like You and feel like You feel. Moreover, by Your Spirit I will make choices according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
