Psalm 103:1 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.” 

A few weeks ago, I scheduled an appointment for our regular septic cleanout, and last Monday, the big truck arrived to take care of the process. I ran home to provide payment for the service, only to be informed that we had been negligent in cleaning the tank’s filter. This oversight had hindered the tank from draining efficiently into the leach field, putting us on the verge of a significant disaster.

As I considered this near disaster, I thought about how negative emotions can build up inside a person. Difficult things can contribute to overwhelming feelings, and without the right intervention, these unpleasant emotions can spill over in negative ways.

Just as it was imperative to clean our septic system filter, soul care is also crucial to manage emotions. If you are struggling with an overloaded internal tank, consider these options to reduce negative thoughts and provide a better outlook:

One of the best ways to shift your mindset and reframe your circumstances is to consider all your blessings. Engage in soul searching and redirect your focus from your problems to the LORD. The Psalmist blessed the LORD from the depth of His being and recalled all the gifts that stemmed from his relationship with God.

- He forgives our sins.

- He heals all our diseases.

- He redeems us from the pit. 

- He crowns us with love and compassion.

- He satisfies our desires with good things.

These are all reasons to rejoice!

Reframing our situation is a game-changer, but it may be challenging. Here are a few practical soul-care suggestions to prevent emotional backflow so you can focus on God with a clear mind during stressful times.

1. Get Extra Sleep: A few hours of shut-eye can change your perspective.

2. Spend time with uplifting people: In this age of social media and working from home we may need some literal face-to-face, heart-to-heart time with a trusted friend.

3. Exercise and Eat Well: Good nutrition and regular exercise can keep stress at bay. Avoid junk food and stay hydrated to maintain your energy levels and mental clarity.

4. Have fun: Engage in activities that give you joy and make time for them in your schedule.

5. Relax: Turn off your devices, sit quietly, and meditate on God’s word. Pray for His perfect peace to calm your soul.

If left unaddressed, negative emotions can build and cause a huge problem for you and those around you. However, there are ways to alleviate the pressure and prevent overflow. Take care of your physical body; this helps you think clearly, enabling you to reframe your situation, bless the Lord at all times, and focus on His amazing gifts.

Soul maintenance, like septic system maintenance, is incredibly important! To prevent unpleasant backflow, faithfully schedule regular cleanouts for your tank and your soul!