“He restores my soul” Psalm 23:3
How is your soul? A favorite song of mine is “It is well with my soul.” Sometimes I sing it out because its truth resonates with me and sometimes it burns in my chest as I long to sense its assurance. Although I’ve experienced redemption, my soul can feel worn down through the chaos of this world.
David writes in Psalm 23, “He restores my soul.” The word he uses can also be translated turn around or return to what it was. What is that original state it is being restored to? As believers we already are His sheep, but there is a sense of refreshment, reviving or bringing back to life. He brings us back to how we should be, for what and how we were created.
Here are a couple of ways I found in the text He accomplishes His restorative work.
Following God’s ways
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Psalm 19:7
Biblical Law bears the connotation of instruction, not legalism. He loves us so much He showed us how to live. Obeying His instructions can revive our soul. Doing the right thing, especially when things are tough or chaotic around us, can bring order and restoration to us.
Fellowship
I see several examples of being refreshed and restored through God’s people. Paul acknowledges the reviving effect of some fellow workers:
For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. 1 Corinthians 16:18
He also looks forward to being refreshed by the believers in Rome:
So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. Romans 15:32
Are you spent and need to return to how God made you? Stay close to the Shepherd. Plan some time to be in His Word, letting it guide your life. And seek out the company of believers, allowing God’s restoring work to be done.
