Psalm 23:3 – Study Session III
Psalm 23:3 reads “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
What does it mean to have our souls restored?
The Hebrew word for “He restores” comes from a root verb form that means “to turn back, return, bring back or take back.”
No one including David is immune to difficult times that can leave us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausted.
When my soul is depleted, I feel robbed of energy and struggle to focus. I lack direction, have trouble making decisions and feel rundown.
This is when I know I’m in need of a soul restoration and like David I go to the Soul Restorer for “times of refreshing.” (Acts 3:20)
For years I tried to restore my soul with possessions, people and pursuits and when that didn’t work I tried to numb it with avoidance or addiction but to no avail.
As king, David lived in luxury and had many friends but he knew only his Father could refresh his spirit, renew his energy, his focus, determination, commitment and drive.
I never knew until reading Paul’s words that we were not designed to take on daily life in our own energy but with “. . . all His energy which so powerfully works in me.” (Col 1:29).
When we learn to tap into His energy we also access His grace so the job, dealing with co-workers, taking care of children, keeping the home and tackling the never-ending to-do list becomes much easier.
I’ve noticed that when I ask for His energy each morning to carry me throughout my day I accomplish so much more without the mid-afternoon crash, with a much better attitude and needing less caffeine.
He is our Source for all things including our energy.
God created us to follow not lead and wants to lead us “in the path of righteousness” for a reason which is to give Him glory so when others look at our lives “they may see your deeds and glorify God . . .” (1 Pet 2:12)
Thankfully God kindly leads us along this grace-paved path of righteousness so should we get disoriented or distracted by life, He “will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Ps 32:8) We only need to listen and obey.
And never before have we needed to listen to God like we do in the times we are in.
He promises that “whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Prov 1:33).
Right now more than ever I want to live without dread and at ease. How about you?
When we don’t know which way to go or unsure if we are even headed in the right direction we listen for the Holy Spirit’s instruction “And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying “This is the way, walk in it,” “when to turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Is 30:21) and then go that way.
Walking with God requires we trust Him with all our “heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6)
The Holy Spirit promises to “guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) which is where we find freedom. (John 8:32)
All He asks is that we “commit” our way to Him; “trust in Him and He will act.” (Ps 37:5). The Holy Spirit is our “Helper” so we are never on this journey alone and is here to “teach you all things” (John 14:26).
And please remember you never have to walk through life alone. Because “This is our God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” (Ps 48:14)
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1. To walk in grace we must understand GRACE. Grace helps us maneuver through the difficulties of life, empowers us to better do our jobs, parent our children, cultivate beautiful friendships and love deeper. Grace is readily available when we have a need and is sufficient to see us through whatever life throws at us. Read 2 Cor 12:9 – Rom 6:14 – Eph 2:8 – Heb 4:16
2. The path to righteousness leads straight to peace, rest for the soul, wisdom, abundance, healing and eternal life. Read Jer 6:16 – Prov 4:11 – Isa 2:3 – Ps 143:10 – Ps 25:10
3. Please take a moment to look up all the scriptures mentioned in the full study as they are promises on which you can stand when you are feeling tired, discouraged, confused, afraid or when you’t not sure what to do, which direction to take when faced with tough decisions.
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