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

Restoration can be defined as the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition. In the 23rd Psalms David gives an analogy of a shepherd’s care and protection for his sheep to our Lord’s loving and protecting care for His beloved children.

Sheep are very docile animals and have a natural tendency to wander; this often places the sheep out of its element and only a skilled shepherd is able to bring it 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.”

There are times when we wander from the plan of God or find ourselves in circumstances beyond our 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.

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

God is able to come to our rescue when we have lost our way; He restores or brings spiritual life back to our hearts, minds, and souls. Let us look at some examples of God saints in need of restoration:

1. David’s account of his sin with Bathsheba, leading him to have her husband Uriah the Hittite killed in the heat of the battle – 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. The 73rd Psalms depicts the psalmist being persuaded to envy the prosperity of the wicked; but the goodness of God and His amazing grace, who is the source of our strength, brought him back to reality. “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 gave uplifting words of encouragement to the Church at Corinth, in the midst of their trials, tribulations, and persecution, which was far beyond their control… 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. “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.

And praise God, that somewhere way down deep in our souls, He 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 is able to 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 blessings of peace and love be with us all.