Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” ESV
“My soul he refresheth, He Leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake.” YLT
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” NIV
We all are either going through a trial, coming out of a trial, or about to enter into a new trial in life. There is discouraging news all around us and there are those times when the problem keeps going longer than anticipated, and you become exhausted and weary. When you feel lost and unsure what direction to take in a trying circumstance, think about how God, as our good Shepherd in Psalm 23, “restores,” therefore giving the idea of rescuing a lost one. He guides us through His Word, leading us to purity, developing greater righteousness, and following His holiness. As we seek Him, He directs us in the plain and straight paths of His love and protection in the green pastures instead of the crooked paths we tend to bend towards due to various temptations to sin in wrong responses found in our hearts during those trying circumstances. I know what that is like. How about you?
As the LORD is our Shepherd, He will renew and sustain one’s life, as Psalm 19:7 declares, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Then Psalm 17:5 states, “My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” As we further need instruction, Proverbs 4:11 teaches us that God instructs us as it says, “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” NIV
When exhausted and weary in life, ask the LORD for His wisdom as He is our Sovereign LORD, and for Him to restore your soul as you trust in Him to lead you through His straight paths during the stormy waters, into gentle waters of calmness and peace, for His glory and grace. Matthew 11:28 is an invitation given by Jesus to find relief and comfort from life’s burdens: “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
May I, may you, be able to say, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” NLT. When you are exhausted and weary in life, trust God in your adverse circumstances. Keep on keeping on and trust and pray Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” He is with you always (Matt. 28). Say as David did, “For you are my rock and fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3. That is our great and good Shepherd restoring your soul when you are exhausted and weary.
Listen to Phi Wickham – Psalm 23 (Official Music Video) ft. Tiffany Hudson.