This world isn’t an easy place to be, is it?
Sorrow. Heartbreak. Loss.
Confusion. Uncertainty. Change.
Pain. Sickness. Disease.
Unrest. War. Famine.
Job loss. Frustration. Disappointment.
Enemy attacks. Betrayal. Fear.
Sin. Destruction. Evil.
It doesn’t take long at all for us to get worn down and worn out. The sharpness of life gouges deep wounds in our souls, ripping and shredding and tearing as we journey on this road called “life.”
I’ve been thinking lately about all the ways we try to assuage the pain and refresh our spirits.
Sometimes we escape by turning to entertainment, like a novel or a movie or our favorite social media.
Other times we rely on our friends and family to boost our spirits.
And then there are times when we indulge in a favorite luxury – we enjoy a little pampering, a little shopping, or a little eating.
Sometimes we even form a cocoon of denial – sticking our heads in the sand so we’re blissfully ignorant of reality.
And what about those times we long to just get away from it all? Many of us anticipate summer vacations all year long, yearning for carefree days of relaxation and a break from the routine.
All of these can be effective ways of being refreshed and encouraged for different people and to varying degrees.
But there’s one constant source of restoration – no matter the season, no matter the person, and no matter the circumstances.
“He restores my soul.”
He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3) means my God cares about my soul.
He pays attention to it.
He notices when it becomes damaged, and He loves me enough to apply His tender mercy and His gentle touch.
He restores my soul means He’s strong enough to be able to restore it…
and kind enough to want to.
And don’t be mistaken, my friend; not a single one of us deserves this soul restoration. One of the things that harms our souls the most is our own sin harbored in the depths – disobedience to God and rebellion against His ways. God would be entirely within His rights to leave us to our own devices and wish us luck.
But I think we all know how that would go.
So even though not one of us deserves it, He offers it to each one of us. He extends it to us from His own hand, beckoning us to receive it, eyes imploring us not to reject it. Not to reject Him.
I stand in awe of such grace.
That mental picture sort of puts a new spin on those other things we turn to for restoration, doesn’t it? Because even though they’re not wrong and can even be good…
well, they’re still not Him.
Will you spend some time with Lover of your soul today? Let Him restore it as only He can.For more encouragement in times of trial:
Thankful for Trials & for their Blessings in Disguise
Bradley Paul says
Yes when we run to the our healer he responds. Great Post!
Jennifer Clarke says
And what a wonderful Healer He is! Thanks, Bradley!
Donnia says
This week I have suffered a loss I wish on no one. I found out that I have lost my very first pregnancy. Though through this I could have been angry with God, instead I have chosen to let Him restore me. Only He can. These other things are a temporary fix, only His way is permanent. I hope any of you facing a loss can see that God is still good.
The Lord gave and The Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of The Lord. Job 1:21
Jennifer Clarke says
My heart is heavy for your loss, Donnia. Thank you for sharing so openly from your heart of faith in the midst of pain, and for your firm declaration of God’s goodness in spite of your circumstances. I will pray for you, and ask our Lord to reveal Himself to you in particularly meaningful ways as you trust Him for your restoration. Blessings, friend.
Heather says
Found this through Pinterest tonight. Just got home today from being at the hospital with my daughter and son-in-love. They just lost their first baby (and my first grandbaby)to ectopic pregnancy. I was searching for scriptures of hope and I’m thankful I found this blog/article.
Jennifer Clarke says
Oh, Heather, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart grieves with yours over the loss of your grandchild. I’m taking some time to pray for you, your daughter and her husband, as well as other family members grieving this loss. I’m trusting that the Lover of your soul will restore it, and that the One who “heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” would be especially near. (Psalm 147:3)
Laura Rath says
“and kind enough to want to.”
He restores us because He wants to…how incredible is that!?! Thank you for this reminder today. Visiting from Grace & Truth.
Jennifer Clarke says
Isn’t it amazing? Thanks for stopping by, Laura!
Ariella says
I ams very encouraged by your blog! Thank you so much!!!
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi, Ariella! I’m glad you’ve found some truth here. I pray that it blesses you in your relationship with God.
Jennie Goutet says
I’ve been too busy and worried to get restored in the Word the way I need. But God has been kind to me despite that. Now I need to take this to heart and get restored even further!
Jennifer Clarke says
Even when we’re faithless, He is faithful. I marvel at such grace. It’s easy for me to slip into thinking that I’m doing Him a favor with my fellowship; yet I can’t deny that when I don’t commune with Him, I’m the one who’s missing out.
Dawn says
Always encouraged when I stop to read your words, Jennifer. I had to stop…literally and look again at a few, though. They made me pause because, oh, I find myself escaping often. It is my defense mechanism. It is the place I go to refuel and recharge, but your words made me think. I need to always always always escape only to Him. I don’t often escape into entertainment, more than anything it is running or walking which always leads me to praying and pressing in. But..here, this is what I came away with… I used to always escape to Him in the quiet start of my morning first, no exceptions. The busy of the summer has worn me down, the schedule that I have kept made me tired and I was missing that escape. I need that to be restored in my soul so I can do the rest of this life before me.
Thanks so much for reminding me!
Blessings,
Dawn
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for stopping by, Dawn, and for sharing your heart here. This post is several months old, but I remember clearly that it was one that didn’t come easily to me; I find it interesting that it gave you pause, too. I did try to make it clear that I’m not trying to label “sin” here – it’s more a matter of what’s best. And what’s best is always, always more of Him, isn’t it? 🙂 Thank you, friend.
Ariella says
Thanks. I need to read this, on this Sundaymorning. Glad and surprised with it.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you, Ariella. I’m so glad this blessed you! What an amazing God we serve, who restores our souls as only He can.
Michelle Nshimiye says
Ooh yes He is our Restorer… Thank you for this message!!! Hmmmm I can’t stop rejoicing in the Lord for His promises!!!
I ve been restored although I don’t deserve it!!! God is a merciful God…
Jennifer Clarke says
Amen! He’s merciful indeed. Thanks, Michelle!