Do You Need Some Soul Restoration?

May 03, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

I am a doer, an achiever, and one who loves to be on the move. In a recent conversation with a new friend, she told me I have a 'type A+' personality. I found her description interesting as we have had very limited time together. Clearly, my 'go and do' personality is easily seen!

My personality makes me quite prone to overdoing. Sometimes, I hit a wall or two (or more). Prior to these times of wall-banging, I should have known to slow down, to recharge my batteries, and to take some time for rest and restoration. However, I tried to ignore the Spirit’s nudges and the cries of my tired body to keep on keeping on. Perhaps you have had similar experiences.

Yesterday, we read about God making King David lie down in green pastures and then leading him beside still waters. We had the imagery of the shepherd caring for his sheep. This next verse in Psalm 23 tells us the fruit produced in that time of rest and refreshment: “He restores my soul” (verse 3). The question we must ask ourselves is this: am I truly following the Good Shepherd? Do I lie down in the green pastures? Do I drink from those waters? Do I resist him or receive this precious gift of restoration?

Take notice of what follows the soul restoration of the Lord. David says that God then “leads him in paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). These paths of obedience lead to life, the fullness of joy, and pleasures evermore (see Psalm 16:11) or what Jesus referred to as the abundant life (John 10:10).

Do you want this abundant life with all the joy and pleasures described in these passages? If so, you must follow the Lord’s lead; you must be willing to stop and rest, to partake of his divine nourishment, and to allow him to do the holy work of soul restoration in you. This means slowing down and setting aside your work, your ambitions, your or your kids’ extracurricular activities, and maybe even your hobbies. It does not mean you cannot do these things but rather that you surrender your life fully to the Lord asking him what it looks like for you to walk with him, to follow him to the green pastures and the still waters, and that you receive all that he has for you.

The Lord always works for your good. His desire is to restore your soul today. How will you respond to this divine invitation?

Reflection:

Do you want the abundant life that Jesus came to give you (see John 10:10)? If so, will you seek the Lord and allow him to lead you to soul restoration today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resources:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!