My soul is like that child within me

Reflections 

Don't be fooled by the peaceful images. A few minutes earlier these toddlers were throwing violent tantrums. And even now, as they lie on their mother's breast, they sometimes still shudder from the powerful emotions that overtook them earlier. Emotions that can even overtake us in our adult lives. If we led our immature self lead us, we can feel possessed.

In the Hebrew Bible, the soul is the life force of animals. It's in the name: anima is Latin for soul. The only difference between animals and humans is that the spirit of the creation drives the souls of animals, whereas God personally breathed his spirit to bring the human soul to life (Gen 2:7, Eccl. 3:21). The soul drives us back or forward through fear or desire. In the Psalms, our soul can rejoice in the LORD and sing his praises, or despair and whither away.

David knows his weaknesses. A proud heart and an arrogant gaze can easily excite his soul and lead her to sin (as in Proverbs 21:4). His soul can get frustrated and angry. For him, his soul is like his inner child: innocent, irrational and immature. He needs to calm her as once his mother did with him. Then she can be directed toward play and exploration. He needs to direct her desires towards the LORD of creation, so she will find true joy.

The image is extraordinarily powerful: you do not have to hate yourself for doing stupid things or losing control. Instead, you may take your mother's role and take hold of your soul as her cherished child. You are that child. Or better: the patterns that were created in your childhood are still the most powerful drivers of your behavior today. For better and for worse. Approaching them from a position of love and responsibility can help you forward.

Of course that calming and directing of the soul is not as easy as this one image might suggest. We are complex creatures. Psalm 42/43 is a powerful example how a soul that is roaring like a lion can be comforted.