Restoring Our Soul

Each one of us at times have felt the crushing burden of sin. These burdens could be caused by sins of our own doing or sins others have committed against us. Sometimes it's just events and circumstances caused by living in a sinful world that intrude into our lives. While turning to the Lord should be our natural response to sin in whatever form it surfaces, often the burden paralyzes us into inactivity or despair. Shutting down or isolating ourselves becomes the path of least resistance.

Psalm 23 is a favorite of many and for good reason. Among the many riches it contains is a pearl that we can easily overlook in verse 3--He restores my soul. A pastor friend of mine used to say that God is in the restoration business. Redeeming lost souls certainly falls into this category. But restoration doesn't end at salvation. For us to become more and more like the person of Jesus Christ--which is God's desire for every believer--we must continue to be restored.

1 Peter 5:10 tells us that after we have suffered for a little while that the God of all grace who has called us into his Kingdom, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Prior to his ascension into Heaven, the disciples asked Jesus if he was going to restore the Kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6). Our Lord responded by telling them to wait for the Holy Spirit who would empower them to do all things. That same Spirit is the One who restores our souls even today.

God is always actively working in our lives; even when we can't see it or feel it. Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel proclaimed God's promises to restore his people. Those same promises are ours to claim as well.