Psalm 23:3a “…he restores my soul...”

Psalm 23:3a “…he refreshes and restores my life…” (Amp)

When a body is dirty, a shower or a bath will suffice to give us a fresh clean feeling. But sin is not dirt that can be washed away with soap and water. Sin stains the heart and the mind…the soul. No amount of scrubbing or bathing will make any difference. Therapy isn’t good enough and nor is any amount of ‘good works’ enough to cleanse it away. When God rescues us, He doesn’t just turn us loose in the sorry condition He finds us in. If a shepherd doesn’t clean the coat of the sheep that caused it to end up cast in the first step, it is only a matter of time before the sheep needs rescue again. Only God can truly cleanse our hearts and our minds. The blood of Christ does the work of removing sin from us while the Spirit of God speaks into us forgiveness and restoration. He tells us that we no longer need to condemn ourselves. He loves us and renews our strength. He fills us with His peace. He doesn’t just save us from our external troubles, but He refreshes us and restores our souls…He completes the job as only He can.

Pray: “Father, only you can see the need for restoration in me. Only you know the places I am damaged, the places where trouble still lurks in my mind and heart. Thank you, MY shepherd, for not just picking me up and setting me on my feet, but for restoring the soul within me and giving me the strength to follow you again despite my falling and failing. Thank you, Lord, for the saving blood of my Savior, in whose blessed name I pray - Amen.”