Episode 1: Caring for the Soul through Faith and Rest

Eric Marquette

Imagine this. You have everything you could ever want—the dream home, the perfect job, the recognition, the bank account that never runs out. But then comes the question: What is that all really worth if, in getting it, you lose the essence of who you are? That’s the heart of what Jesus asks in Mark 8:36: ‘What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?’ It’s not just a question; it’s a challenge, a mirror to hold up to our lives and reflect on what we truly, deeply, prioritize.

Eric Marquette

Think about our world today. We’re pulled every which way by promises of fulfillment. Accumulate wealth, climb the career ladder, get more followers, buy the newest, shiniest thing—all of it seems, well, like the answer. But, you know, what’s strange is that, the more we chase these things, the emptier they seem to leave us. It’s like chasing the wind. We run and run, only to feel more disconnected, more restless, once we finally get there.

Eric Marquette

And I think Jesus knew we’d face this struggle. When he talks about gaining the whole world, he’s not just talking about possessions or power, though those are part of it. He’s asking us a deeper question about focus, about priorities. What are we trading for our peace, for our relationships, for that inner sense of purpose that only God can really fulfill? That’s the “soul” he’s talking about here—our eternal core, the deepest, most priceless part of who we are.

Eric Marquette

Scripture constantly reminds us that the soul isn’t something we can put a price tag on. It’s not just valuable; it’s priceless. Why? Because it’s breathed into us by God himself. It’s eternal. It’s the place where we connect with Him, with others, and with our purpose. That connection can’t be replaced by anything this world offers. So, when we trade it—or neglect it—for fleeting things, we’re giving up something infinite for something temporary, and honestly, that’s a tragically lopsided exchange.

Eric Marquette

What does that mean for us here and now? Well, maybe it’s a reminder to step back, to pause, and to ask ourselves some tough questions. What am I chasing? And, really, is it worth it? Because the health of our souls—that inner, eternal part of us—depends on what we choose to nurture it with.

Eric Marquette

When was the last time you just stopped—like truly stopped—and asked yourself, “Am I okay?” Not just physically or mentally, but spiritually. I think, in the hustle of everyday life, this kind of deep reflection can feel almost like a luxury. But honestly, it shouldn’t be. In fact, it’s more of a necessity, one that keeps us connected to God and to ourselves.

Eric Marquette

So how do we even begin, especially in a world that never seems to slow down? Well, there are practices—practical, you know, doable things—that can help us reconnect spiritually on a daily basis. For example, prayer. And I don’t mean long, elaborate prayers. Sometimes it’s just about sitting still, closing your eyes for, what, a minute? And saying, “God, I’m here. Speak to me.” That’s it. It’s simple but so powerful.

Eric Marquette

Another practice is reflecting on Scripture. One verse—even one—can ground you, you know? Something like Psalm 23:2, ‘He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.’ That’s not just poetry—it’s, well, it’s like an invitation for your soul to find peace in God’s presence. Write it down, journal about it, let it shape how you see your day.

Eric Marquette

And for those of us who feel a little... disconnected, journaling can be such a lifeline. It doesn’t have to be, like, formal or perfectly written. Just pour out your thoughts, your worries, your gratitude. It’s amazing how, over time, your own words can, kind of, reveal what your soul’s really longing for. There’s something about seeing it on the page that makes it real, that makes it something you wanna bring to God.

Eric Marquette

Now, let me share a story. I knew someone—a mentor of mine—who used to have this incredibly demanding job, like constant travel, sleepless nights, the works. And one day, they just hit a wall. Nothing, not even the success, felt worth it anymore. So, they made this kind of radical choice. They stepped back, started spending mornings in prayer and evenings reconnecting with family. And you could just see the difference. It wasn’t immediate, but over time, they found this deep peace, this balance, by focusing on the health of their soul above everything else.

Eric Marquette

That’s the key, isn’t it? It’s about choosing what matters most. When we consistently reflect on our priorities, on what we’re really pouring our time and energy into, it aligns us—really aligns us—with what’s eternal, with what truly satisfies. And that kind of alignment, it’s like giving your soul room to breathe.

Eric Marquette

So, let’s talk about rest. And I don’t just mean sleep—though, let’s face it, most of us could probably use more of that too. I mean true rest. The kind that goes deeper than just unplugging or taking a day off. You know, the kind of rest that restores your soul, that reconnects you with God. I think, in many ways, we’ve we’ve kind of lost sight of what that even looks like, right?

Eric Marquette

In Scripture, there’s such a rich invitation to rest. I mean, God sets the example Himself, resting on the seventh day of creation. And then, He makes it a commandment—keeping the Sabbath holy, not as a burden, but as a gift. It’s like God is saying, “Hey, stop striving for a bit. Trust Me enough to just rest, to be present with Me.” And yet, somehow, we’ve, sort of, turned busyness into a badge of honor, haven’t we?

Eric Marquette

And Jesus—he lives this out so beautifully. I love that, in the Gospels, we see him withdraw to quiet places, to pray, to just be with the Father. Even with crowds pressing in, with endless needs and demands, he didn’t just keep going. He made rest and connection with God a priority. That says something, doesn’t it? If Jesus needed that kind of time, how much more do we?

Eric Marquette

So the question is, how do we create that kind of space in our own lives? How do we step back from the nonstop activity and let our souls, you know, breathe again? One thing that’s been, honestly, life-changing for me is setting aside specific moments to unplug. I’m talking no screens, no notifications—just silence, even if it’s just ten minutes. It’s amazing how the quiet can, sort of, center you, bring you back to God’s presence.

Eric Marquette

Another practice is building Sabbath rhythms into our week. And I don’t mean it has to look a certain way—this isn’t about checking boxes or being, you know, rigid. Maybe for you, it’s spending an afternoon outdoors, just soaking in creation. Maybe it’s a family meal where you intentionally put work and worries aside. Or maybe it’s pouring a cup of coffee, opening your Bible, and just sitting with God. Whatever it looks like, the point is to create space—not just for rest, but for restoration, for leaning into the One who refreshes our souls.

Eric Marquette

And here’s something practical. Ask yourself, what’s one thing—just one—you can let go of this week to make room for rest? Maybe it’s saying no to an extra commitment, or turning off the TV a little earlier, or leaving some emails unread. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes the simplest shifts open the door for something deeper, something more soul-nourishing.

Eric Marquette

As we wrap up today, I encourage you—just take those small steps toward sacred rest. Remember, your soul is worth it. It's where your connection to God comes alive, and no amount of busyness can ever replace that. So this week, let’s choose to slow down, to unplug, to simply rest in the gift of God’s presence. You might be surprised by how much peace and renewal you find there.

Eric Marquette

And on that note, thank you for joining me on this journey to care for our souls. It’s been a privilege to explore these truths with you. Until next time, take care and be well. God bless.