He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
    for His Name’s sake.  (Psalm 23:3, TLV)

Restore my Soul.  Can you feel that sentence? “Restore my soul.” Some translations use “refresh,” but I think I prefer restore. The definition of restore is to: “give back” (someone or something that was lost or taken) or to return (someone or something) or to put or bring (something) back into existence or use, or — and I love the image of this — to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

To refresh is to restore strength and animation, or to freshen up, or even to restore or maintain by renewing supply. Actually, combined we get a sense of where our Shepherd wants to take us.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. (vs. 2, TLV)

David, as a shepherd, understood the need for his charges to rest and restore. Climbing the rocky hills of Israel seeking a few blades of grass. Cowering in the face of predators looking for their next meal. The shepherd knows the sheep will more fully rest when they feel protected — where food and water are within easy reach.

In this busy season, sometimes we need to take note that our Shepherd is trying to guide us away from the busy-ness. We may fight Him because — oh my! — there’s so much to do. And He knows that. Nevertheless, He also knows we need to restore our bodies, minds, and spirits, and He is the only One who knows how.

Today, let’s take a long intake of breath, then exhale — maybe, several times — see if the Shepherd is prompting us to slow down, even stop. To lie down in “green pastures.” Perhaps by sitting outside, or watching the sunrise, something that feeds our eyes. Then wait as he hydrates our dry and weary soul with His Living Waters — His Word, then worship to seal His truth within us.

Just some thoughts this morning before the busy day truly begins.

May the LORD restore our souls.