Abundant Grace Dailyنموونە

Soul Rest

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

What happens when the LORD my Shepherd provides more than enough green grass and a place of stillness? Our souls are restored.

He restores my soul.

This soothing sentence may refer to what takes place at a soul level when, as needy “sheep”, we receive more than adequate food and refreshment (v.2) or when we walk in right pathways (v.3). The outcome is the same: soul restoration. David’s soul is restored. Sheep are sometimes “cast,” which means they tumble over, end up on their backs, and are unable to get up. This Shepherd tenderly lifts them up.

It's one thing to have plenty of food and drink and be walking on safe pathways, and another to have a restored soul. That's what the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus, referred to when he addressed his disciples with these words:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).

All we need to do is admit our weariness and weakness and come to Jesus, the gentle and lowly one, and we will experience soul rest. There is deep soul rest when we take his yoke and learn from him.

He leads me in paths of righteousness...

Now that David is back on his feet again, the Shepherd takes the initiative and redirects him. He sets him on paths that are right and safe.

Have you been straying on unholy paths lately? Have you been flirting with danger? It just takes a wrong step here, and another unwise path there. “Psalm 23 is clear: there is no soul restoration in walking paths in life that your shepherd is not walking with you. There is no greener grass anywhere else than with Jesus and with the words that he speaks, with his righteous law and his righteous-giving gospel.”[1]

for his name’s sake.

Walking on right paths is the best thing possible for sheep that are prone to wander. But the main reason for which the Shepherd directs us to right and holy pathways is for the honor of his name. John Piper expresses it this way: “The deepest reason given for God’s commitment to his people is his prior commitment to his own name.”[2]

The sheep of Psalm 23 are satisfied because their shepherd has provided for them in every conceivable way. They are well fed, watered, restored, and guided. He does all this in order to uphold the reputation of his holy name.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my gracious Shepherd, you are the soul-restorer, and I’m asking you to revive and restore me today. Thank you for being so gentle and patient with me. I confess I’m prone to wander from paths of righteousness. Lead me to walk in step with your Spirit, all for the honor of your name. Amen.

Reflection:

• To what extent is your soul at rest at present? Why or why not?

Action:

• Memorize Matthew 11:28-30. Meditate on each phrase, turning it into a spoken or written prayer.
• Examine your heart and behavior for any evidence that you have been straying into paths of unrighteousness.
• Share what you have learned from Psalm 23:1-3 with a trusted friend and pray that these things will be true of you.

[1] David Gibson, The LORD of Psalm 23, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2023, 49.

[2] John Piper, The Pleasures of God, Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland, Christian Focus, 2001, 100.