“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬

Explanation:

The Good Shepherd, Jehovah, continues his loving care for his sheep. What does he do? 

He restores.

While it is definitely a more abstract idea, I believe that our souls can be affected the way we live. They can be tired and in need of restoration, and this is exactly what our Good Shepherd does for us. This is a continuation of the picture from verse 2. The green pastures and the still waters have a calming yet restoring effect on the sheep. 

He leads.

This is so fundamental to what it means to be a shepherd. A shepherd leads the sheep in his pursuit of care and protection for them. To protect and provide he must lead. The psalmist tells us where the Good Shepherd leads us. He describes it as the paths of righteousness. Paths are well worn places that lead to a specific destination. This is the way of wisdom. It is the way of blessing. The Good Shepherd wants his sheep to follow him in the way of rightness. He wants us to do right.

Why does he lead us this way? The psalmist says it is for His name’s sake. This is so exciting because it is saying that His reputation is tied to my growth, health, and life- my sanctification. A good shepherd wouldn’t be very good if stories of his neglect of his sheep could be told. Our Shepherd takes His Shepherding very seriously.

Application

God cares about me! God cares about my spiritual life. God’s care of me is tied to His character and to His reputation!  This is so incredible. This is not a health and wealth, prosperity Gospel. It is tied to the actual Gospel. God restores us by the blood of His Son. He sends His Spirit to live inside of us as we believe on Him. Even if we go through destitution or persecution in this life, He will lead us to heaven. There will be no lack, and righteousness will abound. What a wonderful, beautiful Shepherd we have!

Response

Heavenly Father, I thank you today for your wonderful care of me. I pray that you would help me to follow you down these paths of righteousness, and that I wouldn’t work against your leading in my life today. Amen

This is kind of old school- but beautiful!