In Psalm 142, we see the Psalmist pouring out his emotions before the God of heaven. David, the likely writer of this Psalm, was a hero in Israel after he killed the giant, Goliath. King Saul soon became envious of David due to the latter’s popularity among men and blessings from the Lord. As Saul pursued David and sought to take his life, David had times when he was disheartened. It sounds like this Psalm describes such a period of time in David’s life.

In Psalm 142:3-5, we read that the Psalmist declared to the Lord,

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul. I cried out to You, O LORD; I said, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’

Did you notice that one unique statement? “No one cares for my soul” (142:4). How horrible! Sometimes young people who have made some serious mistakes may feel that no one cares for them. Some elderly people who rarely have visitors may be convinced that no one cares for them. When parents divorce, their children may feel like no one cares about them and their feelings.

In low moments, in times of disappointment and discouragement, many of us may have shared the same sentiment: “I am not sure if anyone really cares about me.” Let us take that statement from the book of Psalms which we noted above and modify it to make it read as a question: “Who cares for my soul?”

In truth, there are some people who do not really care for my soul. Atheists, denying that God exists and is the Giver of spirits (Hebrews 12:9), certainly do not have my eternal well-being in mind. Materialists, who deny that man has an eternal spirit, do not care for my soul. Self-centered people – those folks who are preoccupied with their own little world, have no concern for my soul. Hateful, cold- hearted, mean people do not care for my soul. Those whose only interest is in obtaining money, prominence, and power have no genuine concern for my soul. And, those who do not care about their own souls, as they are bent on fulfilling their own desires, they care not for my soul.

There are, however, those who do care for my soul. Satan cares for my soul in the sense that he knows exactly where he wants my soul to be in eternity – stuck with him in eternal torment (Matthew 25:41). On the positive side, the Godhead surely cares for my soul like no human can! The Father gave up His Son (John 3:16), Jesus willingly laid down His life as a ransom (John 10:17,18), and the Spirit of grace revealed God’s message of salvation by grace (Hebrews 10:29). Yes, God cares for my soul!

Christians recognize that among the human ranks, there are many who care for our souls. Elders watch for our souls (Hebrews 13:17) as they take care of God’s house (1 Timothy 3:4,5). Gospel preachers love our souls (2 Corinthians 12:15). Bible class teachers care about our souls: they pray for us by name, they prepare diligently for each lesson, and they work patiently with us. In the one spiritual body, the members all care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25,26). Most of us also have family members – parents, spouse, and kids, who love us dearly. It is great to be loved in such a way that people really do care about our everlasting welfare.

It is no secret that some people care about my soul while others do not. But what about me? Do I really care for my soul? If I have been refusing to live in harmony with the instructions of the Bible, do I care enough about my soul to repent of my sins and change my life? (Acts 3:19). Do I care enough about my soul to humble myself before God so He will lift me up? (James 4:10). Do I care enough about my soul to forsake everything for Jesus’ sake? (Luke 14:33). Do I care enough about my soul to cut off the evil associations which threaten to corrupt my thinking and conduct? (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Do I care enough about my soul to put God and His Cause first in my life? (Matthew 6:33). How important is it to me to make it to heaven? If I say I really care about my soul, then I need to be ready to bow before and submit to King Jesus in all things.

No, not everyone cares for my soul. Yes, some do. What about me? How much do I care about my soul?

— Roger D. Campbell