“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalms 23:3

Spiritual restoration means bringing something back to its original owner, place, or condition. In Psalm 23, David compares a shepherd’s care for his sheep to the loving and protective care God gives to His children.

Sheep are very docile animals and have a natural tendency to wander; this often places them out of their element, and only a skilled shepherd can bring them safely back to the flock. Isaiah 53:6 reminds us that “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

At times we stray from God’s plans, or find ourselves in circumstances we cannot control; and of course, there is always the enemy of our souls who is constantly setting landmines in our paths to lead us into temptation and into harm’s way; His desire is to disrupt our peace of mind with thoughts of anxiety, fear, discouragement, or distrust.

In these moments, we need restoration and help from our watchful and loving Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Psalms 23:3 states, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalms 23:3.

God graciously restores us when we lose our  way, reviving our hearts and minds. Let us consider the biblical witnesses of a few old saints who needed restoration:

1. David’s account of his sin with Bathsheba, leading him to have her husband Uriah the Hittite killed, shows that temptation can come when we least expect it. We must always be on guard. But after David succumbed to the temptation, he humbly called unto God for help and restoration- “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalms 51:12.
2. In Psalm 73, the writer admits he was tempted to envy the success of the wicked. But God’s goodness and grace, which give us strength, helped him see the truth. “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end.” Psalms 73:16-17.
3. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Church at Corinth, in the midst of their trials, tribulations, and persecution, which was far beyond their control. He reminded them that  the Spirit of the living God indwelt their weak earthly bodies.  And we too can stand fast in the hope that He lives in us and we are strengthened in weakness, kept by His power, and used for His glory. 
4. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.

Even in deep brokenness, from somewhere way down deep in our souls, God reaches beyond the circumstances and brings a peace that we cannot explain; He miraculously gives us the strength to meet the challenges of each new day in His power and grace. He can restore our brokenness and make us whole!  

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21. 

God’s blessings of peace and love be with us all.