What does “restore” mean? It means to recondition, to fix, rebuild, renew. David wrote both Psalms 22 and 23. In Psalm 22 he was crying out to God who seemed to have forsaken him. It also depicts Jesus on the cross and how forsaken and abandoned HE felt by Father God when enduring the terrible agony of crucifixion.
But then Psalm 23 follows where David penned in verse 3 – “HE RESTORES MY SOUL…” Do you need restoration right now? Do you feel that you need renewal, renovation, and revival?
Psalm 22 not only gives us words to pray during times of difficulties and suffering, but it also gives us words to understand the anguish which Jesus experienced to purchase our peace and restoration. This restoration is what made David sing for joy in Psalm 23. The Good Shepherd, having laid down his life for his sheep [John 10:11] gives us, His sheep, eternal life, and we will never perish, and no one will be able to snatch us out of our Redeemer’s hands [John 10:28] – not “death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord…” [Romans 8:38+39]
Indeed, the Good Shepherd leads us besides still waters and leads us in the paths of righteousness. [Ps. 23:2+3] Do you and I allow Him to gently LEAD us peacefully in prayer, into His presence, so that He is able to restore and renew and revitalise our souls? Holy Spirit presence within us helps our Heavenly Father and Jesus, the Restorer of our souls to thoroughly restore us. When we are sick, He restores us to health. When we are broken or feeling low, He restores us to life and vitality. When we are lonely, He restores us to companionship with Him. When we are troubled, He restores us to peace. When we are sorrowful, He gives us His joy. Nothing is too difficult for Him to restore. All we need is to give our brokenness and poverty of spirit to Him. Like a clay pot stays in the potter’s hands, so we can rest in Jesus’ hands to mould and shape us according to His plans and will for us!
Precious Jesus, thank You that You are the One who can restore me to full joy, peace, contentment, and all I need in this life. Please help me to yield to You and allow You to lead me in ALL my decisions and actions, thoughts, and plans. In Your blessed Name I pray and thank You, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen