The 23rd Psalm (Part 3)

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Psalm 23: 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (NKJV)

This is a powerful verse in the restoration of the life of a man who may be downtrodden, or discouraged in his faith.  God restores the soul.  When God restores the soul He forgives what sins may have been involved in drawing one into a downtrodden lifestyle.  Sin is often times seen as attractive and appealing.  That is how Satan draws us into the temptation in the first place.  When tempted we can let that temptation play around in our minds where the desire continues to grow and materialize into full blown committed sin, or we can say no to Satan as Jude speaks of in Jude verse 9 (NT).  But God when called upon in earnest and from the heart forgives and restores the soul.  God desires fellowship with us.  He wants us to have that same desire for Him as well.

What happens after God restores the soul?  If we do as He calls us to, we will follow His lead in the paths of righteousness.  Learning more about God will guide you into a closer relationship with Him.  That is where we need to be ALWAYS.  Adam Clarke’s Commentary describes for His name’s sake, with great clarity.  He states: To display the glory of his grace, and not on account of any merit in me. —Adam Clarke's Commentary 

We cannot restore our own souls.  We haven’t the capability.  We can’t, on our own, walk the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, for we are not righteous without Him.  The only part of us in this issue is what we give to God.  God does the rest, and we can’t give Him anything without answering His call to our hearts to reconcile our lives to Him as believers.  So really, it’s ALL Him.

What is your answer to Him today?  Has He called you to come to Him and ask forgiveness and seek restoration today?  That is how loving our God is.  He wants us to be in fellowship with Him in all that we say and do.  Seek Him today.  It’s never too late.

Prayer:  Dear God, Show me where I have gone wrong in my life that I may take this opportunity to seek restoration in my soul.  Help me to follow you in the direction you would have me go that I may experience you more closely and in your holy righteousness.  In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!

May God richly bless us as we continue seek His will, and His way, through His Word.

Have a GREAT Day!!!

In Christ,

Rev. Ted J. Wilkins
Founder and Director of “Good News Brief For Men” Ministries (Since 1998)

© 2014 Ted J. Wilkins, Good News Brief For Men

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