“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
Who doesn’t love the 23rd Psalm? The scripture is alive with vivid imagery of the Shepherd caring for his flock. This rich text encourages all who will receive it. The first full passage of scripture that I memorized as a child was Psalm 23. While various translations may provide the same meaning, somehow, the King James Version sings to my soul. Perhaps it is because of the comfortable familiarity with which it literally sing-songs off my tongue. It could be the beauty and awe of our Lord’s overwhelming and abiding love for us. Perhaps it is the soul of the text. Regardless, I find it to be warm and comforting.
With all the wonderful things our Shepherd does for us, among them is a precious jewel- “He restores my soul.” I don’t know about you, but there are times that I feel drained. I am used up emotionally, physically, -and yes, spiritually as well. It is then that I realize how much I long to be “restored.”
In today’s world, the art of restoration is a popular pastime. It is fun to see the beauty revealed after restoration, whether it is furniture, an old home, a work of art, an antique automobile, or a downtown business district. Even more beautiful is the restoration of relationships that have been strained, bruised, or broken. Restoration brings something back or returns it to a former condition, place, or position. It repairs, renovates, reinstates. “He (The Lord) restores my soul.”
Words fail to adequately describe how thankful I am for my salvation in Jesus Christ. I am grateful for my parents, who raised me in a Christian home and church. At eight years old, I realized the truth about my sinful actions and wicked nature. I believed the truth of Jesus Christ; He is the one and only son of God. I confessed Him as Lord and repented of my sin. I became a new creature!
Fifty years have passed ever so quickly. Sadly, I have not always gotten it right. I miss the mark more often than I care to share. But Jesus … Jesus. He “restores my soul.” He repairs the brokenness and reinstates our sweet relationship. He fills me with His love, lavishly pours out His mercy, and gives me undeserved grace. He is my Shepherd, providing for all my needs. He watches over me while leading, loving, and caring for me.
There is a beautiful hymn I love to sing: “Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus” (Helen H. Lemmel, 1922). The writer invites us to look turn to Jesus:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the Light of His glory and grace.”
When my focus is on Jesus, He restores my soul. The things of earth make us tired, drained, disgusted, disenchanted, and disillusioned. The longing in our soul for restoration can only be satisfied by Jesus. When your eyes meet His loving gaze, restoration begins.
Do you yearn for your soul to be restored? If you know Jesus, then time with Him in prayer and Bible study will put you on the road to restoration. If you don’t know Jesus personally, today is the best day ever to begin a new life in His care. I pray that you would experience the love, mercy, and grace that Jesus Christ longs to share as He “restores your soul.” Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face…
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
For more information about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, contact the ministry team at Lean into Jesus Ministries through our website (www.leanintojesus.com). Whether you seek information about becoming a Christian or are already a follower of Jesus in need of restoration, we would love to pray for you!
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