He Restores My Soul

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
   He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.” Psalm 23

David draws all his readers into the quiet pastures where the Lord regularly meets him. Over many years a shepherd, he’d grown accustomed to the personal ministry of his Shepherd in times bleak, restless, threatening, and sorrowful. The Lord was his constant companion, steady guide, and merciful caregiver. In Him was his soul consistently restored.

Many are the times our souls need restoring. Long seasons of sorrow, antagonizing and destructive relationships, unrequited longing, circumstantial confusion and uncertainty, can deplete us of vision, strength, and hope. Nourishment is scant, and thirst goes unassuaged. Depression looms like heavy clouds, shadowing the path forward. We want for much, and wander with little.

Along comes the faithful Shepherd, and He is mine. The One who knows my name also knows my unsettled mind, my languishing spirit, my heavy concerns. He walks before me, speaking to me by name, leading me to green grass and living water. He walks beside, His presence and breath palpable comfort, near to restore and comfort, nigh in every looming shadow. He protects and pulls close and provides and anoints. (John 7:37-38; 10:2-4,11-15)

Where am I wanting a Shepherd? In what situations are there no answers, or bleak direction, and I need insight, or guidance? What stress or fear is unsettling the waters of my soul, and I need stillness, peace, comfort? Where am I hungering for more understanding, intimacy, strength, meaning? With the Shepherd we want for nothing! He calls us to abide with and trust in Him through every vale, and by nature is merciful and faithful to the glorious end. (Job 23:10)

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, 
Lord unto me.” ~ Thomas Chisholm (1923)

Oh Father, my Shepherd, please minister to me in all the places You know of need, to Your great praise and glory.