"He restores my soul ..." Psalm 23:3a
This verse makes my heart leap and melt at the same time. The meaning behind the words are so rich, so deep it is like ointment to my soul—and yours too. Let's begin.
The word restores (7725) in the original Hebrew means this: to return, to go back, to change, to bring back, to be reestablished, to restore.
The word soul (5315) means, breath, inner being with thoughts and emotions, the whole person.
In my research on this passage I read a phrase that imprinted itself on my mind forever. One scholar said that it's as if David is saying in this passage:
I feel like myself again.
A person naturally cannot bring themself to life again, it is only by and through the Spirit of God that this can happen. David walked through some intense hardships, which you and I both know have the potential to mark you forever. Some say he wrote this Psalm after a period of deep affliction yet still he declares that through God—Davids inner being, his thoughts, will and emotions—his entire self is brought back to its original intent. His soul has returned. He can breathe deeply and say, "I feel like myself again." Meaning I am who God intended me to be. Fully restored.
Wow. This is the kind of God that we serve, a good Shepherd who can take what in the natural is impossible for us and bring us into a new, restored life.
I know this promise is for you. I know it is for me. I pray that you experience the restorative presence of God this year.
With warm regard,
Photo Credit: Dasha from pexels.com
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