John Ortberg, senior pastor at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (California), is one of today’s best Bible teachers. He’s been teaching on the soul. The teaching includes looking at the different parts that comprise a human being. The teachings come from the Scriptures.
We all have a body, that part of us over which we exercise control. The physical part. We say move, and we move. The will is the decision-making part. It comprises the ability to choose. The mind in ancient thinking describes both thoughts and emotions. As an aside, modern brain research tends to confirm this view that thoughts and emotions work together. The soul is that which combines all of these plus more into a being that is dedicated to God.
Our problems come when we allow one part to exercise control over another. When our will (ability to choose) is controlled by our emotions, then we have problems.
One of the most important spiritual practices I can think of right now, is the practice of stepping back in your soul and recognizing your emotions, realizing where they originate, and then assuring that the will is not controlled by them. Do the feelings come from a sense of powerlessness? Too much ego involved? Depression–feeling that things can’t get better? Undo influence of others who have their own problems?
That’s one reason meditation is so important. It provides a breathing space where you can calm your soul and get it back in tune with God.
Faith Venture 
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