Psalm 23:3 Need Restored?

He [God] restores my soul; He leads me in the paths

of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Interesting. David chooses to be content. He rests in the beauty and peace of green pastures and still waters. Yet, his soul needs to be restored.

David was betrayed, persecuted, experienced the heartbreak of his sin, and suffered at the hands of his own family. Through all of this, David knew where to find restoration for his soul: my shepherd...restores my soul.

God's restoration feels like an overflow of peace, a fountain of joy, an explosion of love. It doesn't erase pain, fear, or weariness but it fills us with God's strength to walk through life.

When we walk through hard times, we can turn to God. He restores our hearts, minds, and souls. He turns turmoil into trust, panic into peace, unrest into rest.

Sometimes, when times are difficult, we have trouble sleeping. One night. as I lay awake with my mind in turmoil, I got up to find my soft-bound Bible. I crawled back in bed and cradled it against my chest. Before long, I relaxed and fell asleep. This became a nightly ritual. I didn't consciously ask God for restoration but, in His grace, He gave me rest. 

When we hide from tomorrow, God is with us. When we struggle with sorrow, God hugs us. When we shake with fear, He surrounds us. He is there, every moment, to restore our souls. 

A restored soul...what does that have to do with a path of righteousness?

When our hearts, minds, and souls are restored, our relationships with God are enriched. The closer we walk to Him, the more we love Him and want to obey Him. 

But, just like we've seen before, walking with Him and obeying Him is a choice. He wants to lead us down a path that is best for us, but we have to choose to follow.

When we're rested, at peace, and strengthened, sometimes we're tempted to think we can make it on our own. We can make our own decisions. We head down our own path. Often, when I go off my own way, I'll look behind me and tell God to catch up.

Shocker, He doesn't. His desire is that I follow Him, not the other way around. 

When I truly allow Him to restore my soul, I want nothing more than to be with Him. I am hungry for His Word and eager to serve Him. My heart is full of gratitude for what He has done for me.

This is righteousness: hunger for Him, service, gratitude, love. When I focus on these, he leads me in His perfect way.

When has God restored your heart and soul?

When have you traveled your own path and how did He bring you back to Him? 

Share your thoughts!