He Restores My Soul

Psalm 23:2-3

² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;

It’s June!!  School has finally ended and though it was a struggle, we finished strong! It took a great deal of God given strength and wisdom to finish this year with grace.  I am exhausted and in need of restoration.  Restoration which means to give back, return; 2: to put or bring back into existence or use; 3: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : renew; 4: to put again in possession of something.

To be restored is to be brought back to an original state or to renew. There are times when you need to be renewed or brought back to a place of rest and rejuvenated.  You need your mind, emotions, and will to be refreshed.  You’ve given your all and your strength is spent.  You need to find a place that brings peace, joy, and a refreshing to your whole being.  You need time to reflect, rest, and get back what you poured out. 

David knew this fact as he pinned Psalm 23.  He talks about God as his shepherd, the One that watches over and protects His sheep. He knows the best place to lead the sheep for the food and water to restore them. He knows that sheep need still water because sheep fear running water. It is said that they will die of thirst instead of drinking fast moving water.  They can drown if their wool gets wet, it becomes too heavy.  Plenty of water flushes toxins from the system, lubricates joints, eyes and nasal passages and helps sheep regulate their body temperature. Sheep need water to stay hydrated and food for energy.

David felt distressed and in need of restoration.  He was cast down and disheartened. Psalm 42:5-6 “⁵ Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. David knew that he could only find these places, be lifted, and find hope if he followed the Lord, his shepherd.  Rebellion on the part of the sheep only leads to things that are not in the best interest of the sheep.  David realized that praise would help him be lifted from the depression.  It took his eyes and mind off the situation and troubles.  He was looking to the One that knew what was best for Him.  God could restore his soul.  The soul consist of the mind, will, and emotions. God could bring peace to his mind, joy to his heart, and help him surrender his will to God.

As so it is today, God can and will restore your soul.  He can bring peace, joy, fun, renewed strength, give you mental rest, and etc., if you allow Him.  I am looking forward to this summer when I can be restored spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I need it. We all need to go to God and be restored at various times. 

People try to satisfy their souls with many things, food, art, music, travel, jobs, activities, alcohol, and drugs, but they remain empty and unfulfilled. But if they would turn to Jesus, He will fill restore them and fill the longing of their souls.  He loves you and He will restore your soul.

Be blessed.