"He Restoreth My Soul"
1. Rebuilding, Remodeling, And Renovating
We took a quick trip down south to visit with our son and his family for two of our grandchildren's birthdays. On the way we kept passing through areas where lanes were closed for road construction. Friday afternoon we took the grands to a Children's Museum and there was a section closed for remodeling. Then, in the hotel where we stayed, the entire second floor was closed for renovation. Coming back through heavy traffic with the closed lanes, I thought about how things change, and how we go through changes in our lives. We just finished our devotions "He Leadeth Me" and I want to move on a little in the 23rd Psalm with, "He Restoreth My Soul". "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3) We don't usually close down our lives, but sometimes we need some rebuilding in needful areas. We may need to remodel our schedules and get our priorities in order. We may even need to renovate our routines and take out some things that are not a big part of our lives, in order to make room for things that should be more important in our walk with the Lord. Let's take a look at how the Lord can restore our soul and lead us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
2. "Where We Going?"
Benjamin is only two, but he is talking enough to ask, "Where we going?" and "We 'bout there?" Michael and I took the four grandchildren out for lunch, and then to the Children's Museum. The last time we were with them little Benjamin was just beginning to put words together, but this time he talked and talked, telling me about the train tracks on the side of the road and the big trucks that passed our car. His favorite questions were, "Where we going?" and "We 'bout there?" Those should be important questions in our lives. Do you know where you are going? If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity? We are not promised tomorrow and we might be closer than we think to our Lord's return. I want to begin our new devotions on, "He Restoreth My Soul", but first we need to be able to say, "He saved my soul." "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) God created Adam and Eve, and they walked and talked with Him in the garden of Eden. They sinned against God and broke that fellowship. Since that time we have all been born into a life of sin, and sin has to be paid for and forgiven. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus to die on the cross to pay for our sin. He will save us and give us a home in heaven if we believe in Him, confess our sin, and ask Him to forgive us. "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and that He came to earth to die for you and to save you? Do you know where you are going when you die? We all like to know where we are going in life. Today, I am asking you to make sure you know where you are going in death. Being saved is as simple as A, B, C. Admit that you are lost. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and He came and died to pay for your sin. Confess your sin to Him and ask Him to save you. He will save you and you can be sure where you are going.
3. "We Going Nowhere!"
On the way to the Science Museum traffic was at a stand still because of a wreck up ahead. I was sitting beside Benjamin in the car and he said, "We going nowhere!" And he was right. We would move ahead just a little, and then wait as two lanes of traffic worked their way into our lane. Sometimes when I am busy and I have a long list of things to get done in a short amount of time, it seems like the faster I work, the farther behind I get. The stress causes me to make mistakes and not be as productive as I need to be. When the Israelites left Egypt and came to the Red Sea, God wanted to show them that He would lead them and protect them. "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14:13) They waited... and God opened up a way through the sea. Sometimes we need to wait on the Lord. Later, they wandered 40 years, going in circles through the wilderness. They were moving, but getting nowhere. We need to let God lead us. If we are not going with God, then we are really going nowhere.
4. "All These Things Are Against Me"
There was a famine in the land and Jacob's sons went to Egypt to get food. When they returned they told their father how roughly the man in charge had spoken to them. They had to leave Simeon in Egypt, and he would not sell them any more food unless they brought their youngest brother back with them. "And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me." (Genesis 42:36) Jacob did not know that Joseph was now second in command in Egypt. He did not know that God had put him there to provide for them during the famine. God was working everything out according to His plan and Jacob did not realize that he would soon be reunited with his long lost son. He said, "all these things are against me" but he was wrong. When things in our lives don't go according to the way we had planned we are quick to think that everything is working against us. But, as children of God, we have a promise. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Are you having a bad day? Keep trusting in His promise. He is in control and He is working everything out just as He has planned. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
5. Restore The Joy
When I think of, "He restoreth my soul", my mind goes to a verse in the book of Psalms. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:12) I know the fruit of the Spirit begins with love, joy, and peace. (Galatians 5:22) But, try as I may, there are times in my life when others can't see the joy that Jesus brings to me. I get discouraged. Look at Numbers 21:4. "And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." The Children of Israel got discouraged "because of the way." Sometimes the way of life is hard, and we get discouraged. Sometimes we may have sin in our lives that robs us of our joy. Isn't it good to know that we can go to our Lord in prayer and say like David, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit"? God loves us and He can restore our joy. Yesterday we saw a good example in Jacob, who said, "all these things are against me." If the troubles and trials of life are robbing you of your joy, take it to the Lord in prayer. He loves you and He can restore your joy.
6. Jacob Tried To Restore The Family
Jacob had a twin brother, Esau, who was born first. Because Jacob cheated him out of his birthright and his blessing, he had to leave home, and basically run for his life. After twenty years of service to Laban, (where he was the one being cheated), God told Jacob to go back home. In his fear he sent a gift ahead for Esau. Jacob was generous because he was afraid of what Esau might do. I also think he was trying to restore part of what he had taken from his brother, and also restore the family he had lost. It is sad when families grow up together, but at some point they have a disagreement that separates them for the rest of their lives. It might help to try to right the wrongs that were done. It is interesting to see what David said in Psalm 69:4. "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away." He said, "I restored that which I took not away." He was willing to give more, and go beyond the call of duty, to appease his enemies. Many times, if we want better results, we have to put forth a greater effort. Love, prayer, and forgiveness can also go a long way towards the healing process of restoration.
7. Restored To Something New
I went on a field trip with one of my son's classes when he was small to a museum. As we walked out of the room with some very old classic cars I asked my group, "What do you think of the old cars?" One of the children spoke up and said, "Those aren't old cars, didn't you see how shiny they are?" The cars had been restored to look like new. Sometimes old cars can even be restored to run again. We get banged out of shape, and suffer from the trials and troubles we experience in life, and sin takes a toll. But, we can come to Jesus and He can restore us on the inside and make us new. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) God can take away our guilt and our shame and create in us a clean heart. We can pray like David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) Don't feel like you are too bad to come to Jesus. He will not turn you away, and He would be happy to save you today!
8. Restored While We Sleep
Last night I woke up several times with bad dreams. They weren't really scary nightmares, but disturbing, crazy, stressful dreams. Needless to say, I did not wake up feeling refreshed and restful this morning. Maybe everyone has nights like this from time to time. It makes me thankful for the peaceful nights that restore my well-being. I like Proverbs 3:24, "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." Today I want to share a few things I do when I lie down and can't get to sleep. Maybe one of the ideas will help you have sweet sleep.
I try not to over-stimulate my mind right before bed with too much television or games. I like to read my Bible in the mornings to start my day, but it is also a peaceful way to end the day.
I try not to eat too much, or drink too much caffeine, too close to bedtime.
I take the quilt off the bed if it seems too warm, or I add a blanket if it seems cool. I might also turn on the ceiling fan if the room seems stuffy.
If my mind is really busy and I can't seem to turn it off, I write down the thoughts going over and over in my head. I have written many of my devotionals at night when I couldn't go to sleep.
A little raw honey helps me sleep more soundly.
And most important of all... I try to pray until I fall to sleep. Talking to my Lord, and praising Him for helping me through another day is the best way to a peaceful sleep.
9. God Renews My Mind At Church
Today is the Lord's day and I hope that you were able to go to God's house and worship Him. I can read my Bible any day of the week. I can pray several times a day. But, there is something special about going to the house of the Lord and hearing Pastor Tripp preach from God's precious Word. It is special to talk with Christian family and friends and have fellowship one with another. It is a joy to hear songs of praise to my wonderful Lord. I may have different sorrows and struggles during the week that make me feel weak and weary, but I can go to church and God renews my soul and gives me strength to go on another week. The Apostle Paul encouraged the early church that they could be renewed in their mind. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24) Going to the house of the Lord is a wonderful place to be renewed in the spirit of your mind!
10. God Renews My Strength
I have used the story of Elijah under the juniper tree many times. It means a lot to me because we sometimes feel like Elijah. God gives us a great victory up on the mountain top, but we eventually have to come down from the mountain and we are weak mentally, physically, and may even fall spiritually. Elijah stood for God and had a great victory over the prophets of Baal when he called on God to send fire down from heaven. Then, he outran Ahab's chariot to Jezreel. When Jezebel threatened to take his life he left his servant and went alone into the wilderness. Elijah "sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (I Kings 19:4) The Lord didn't scold Elijah, but let him sleep. The angel of the Lord fed him and gave him water to drink, and let him sleep some more. Then, God spoke to him in a still, small voice. God renewed his strength. He gave Elijah what he needed. And Elijah waited on the Lord before he moved on. When we get too tired to go on we may need to rest and sleep, and we may need to eat and drink, but most of all we may need to just wait on the Lord. Sometimes we get tired because we are trying to do too much, too quickly, and we run ahead of what the Lord has planned for us. We need to learn to wait on the Lord and He will renew our strength.
"28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
11. Refreshed Like The Change Of Seasons
While we were driving down to South Carolina last weekend the temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That was the fourth of October. The next day it was only 66 degrees. We had a long, dry, hot spell even into October. Sunday we had a nice gentle rain, on and off, for most of the day. It was so refreshing to have cooler days and a soft rainfall. I am so thankful that I live in an area where we have different seasons. Fall is such a refreshing time of year, after the extreme heat of summer. And it won't be that long before the winter winds start blowing. And after the harsh cold of winter, it will be refreshing to once again feel the warm sunlight of spring. Proverbs 25:13 tells us that we can be refreshing like the changes in seasons. "As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters." I want to be a faithful servant to my Lord and help refresh the souls of others. When people see us coming, do they try to hide and avoid us, or are they happy to see us? So many people today are discouraged and downhearted. Let's be kind and try to lift them up and help them feel refreshed.
12. Return To The Lord
Our country was founded on Biblical principles and God has blessed America. But, many of the political leaders today have turned away from God and the Bible truths that have stood the test of time. It is sad to see how far men and women have gone away from God. In the Old Testament God sent His prophets to plead with His people to return to the Lord. We have the same Words of the Lord and God has given America a chance to return to Him. "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" (Malachi 3:7) We have a similar promise in the New Testament written to the church. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (James 4:8) The most familiar verse compelling us to return to the Lord is found in II Chronicles 7:14. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Christians need to take a stand for the Lord and pray that righteousness will prevail in our country. We need to return to the Lord with all our being.
13. A Time To Rebuild
After storms and natural disasters communities often come together and help rebuild homes and businesses that were destroyed. Yesterday we saw the Lord's plea to return to Him. Today we see that the Israelites had to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. I really enjoy reading the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and their rebuilding process. "Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." (Nehemiah 2:18) We can say with Nehemiah that the hand of our God has been good upon us. So, like Nehemiah, let's strengthen our hands for the good work of the Lord and try to rebuild some of the Christian values that have been torn down by the world. We have a solid foundation in Christ Jesus! Now, let's build on that foundation! "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19)
14. Revived And Rejoicing
As we near the closing of this theme, I wanted to look at being "revived" and I also thought about "rejoicing". I found a verse that shows us how these two ideas go hand in hand. "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6) Actually, the things we have been looking at can bring rejoicing. Being restored, renewed, and refreshed bring the rejoicing as new beginnings. Returning to the Lord and rebuilding our lives also bring rejoicing as the burdens and guilt are lifted from our shoulders. Being revived is like being brought back to life, as we read of the example of our Lord. "Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living." (Romans 14:9) The Psalmist is pleading with the Lord to bring His people back to Him. We can be revived when we draw nigh to God and let Him live through us. Then, we can rejoice in the Lord! "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)
15. We Must Repent
All of the things we have talked about this week are a wonderful part of our relationship with Christ. But, in order to benefit and have a part in this wonderful life, we must be saved. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:7) We must repent of our sin. I believe that we don't see many saved today because not many people see that they are lost. Since Adam sinned in the garden of Eden, we all have been born with a sinful nature. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) God is holy and sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) In His great love, God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die and pay the sacrifice for our sin. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) We must believe that Jesus is God's Son and that He is the only way to heaven. After we see that we are lost, with no hope other than believing on Jesus, then we can pray to Him and ask Him to forgive us and save us, and He will. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19) Please, don't turn Him away... trust in Him today.
