“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Ps. 23:3)
This much-loved psalm shows how God lovingly leads and cares for His people. Not only has God revealed our path, but He has also committed to guide and sustain us on our journey. Because many dangers and difficulties lie in our path, we must have a Shepherd to lead us.
The first promise we find in this psalm is one of provision (v. 1). God knows our needs better than we know them. He withholds nothing good or necessary from His flock. Such knowledge grants us peace and confidence as we travel our path with God.
Following close behind the promise of provision, we find the promise of rest (v. 2). The Shepherd knows that His sheep need fresh grass and calm waters to find nourishment and rest. The scrub grasses of the desert may serve in a pinch, but the sheep cannot survive long on such a diet. Our good Shepherd knows our needs as well, and He ordains times of peace and refreshment. You may be in the desert at the moment, but God is preparing your next place of rest so He can restore your soul.
Final Thought: The Lord is my Shepherd, and He provides for me.
CJ Harris is the managing editor for Positive Action, where he helps plan, develop, and launch Bible curricula for churches and schools. Having served as a youth pastor and Sunday School teacher, he has a passion for teaching young people about the glories of their God. A bit of a history buff, CJ received his Ph.D. in Church History in 2011, based on a study of Reformation-era missions philosophy. He and his wife—also a student and teacher of history—have two sons.
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