Restoring our souls, guiding our feet

Y'all still with me, here? (Grin)

We've discussed the "quiet waters" and "green pastures" . . . let's keep up with the flock as they trot along the pathway!

He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name. (Psalm 23:3, NASB)

In my studies, I saw that the Hebrew word "restore" can be one of two meanings: "turning back," or "refreshing." Maybe we believers are like sheep that stray off the trail because there's an interesting looking plant over there - looks delicious! But the shepherd knows it is poisonous. Or maybe we have gotten separated from the rest of the ewes and lambs and a predator is lurking nearby, ready to pounce on us. We can even be like the sheep that roll onto their backs (I read recently that the shepherds call this becoming "cast") and are not able to get back on their feet. I had never heard of that before, but I read that they can die if they are not rescued in a few hours.....I thought it was just turtles that this happened to!

We Christians are not immune to straying from the path God calls us to walk in. Could be something tempting in the world, or it could be a desire from our old, sinful nature. We get separated from the flock and the shepherd. 

 Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)

Our enemy is just waiting to pick off straying sheep. 

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)

When we do start to stray, we are in danger -- we need spiritual restoration. How does He restore us? Well, there are two ways . . . first, His Word, and second, His people. 

The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)

In II Timothy, we are reminded that the Word of God will point out where we are off the path, and it will also provide us with instruction on what we must do to be restored. 

Don't forget the second way we can be guided to receive restoration: 

Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. (Galatians 6:1)

I don't know about you, but I sure am glad that my Father knows me so well . . . He provides ways for me to be restored when I, like a silly sheep, stray from the path!

Our title up there also mentions that He, the Good Shepherd, will guide our feet. 

He guides me in the right paths,
    as he has promised. (Psalm 23:3b, GNT)

I particularly like how clearly the Good News Translation states that portion of the verse. We all need guidance - this world is confusing and often scary. God's Word tells us "go this way, and don't go down that path over there!"  

God's paths are paths of righteousness. Know just how important this is today? How many times have you seen or heard people take a path that isn't in line with His Word? Usually this is accompanied by words like, "It's OK, we are under grace." Or maybe, "the end is good, we just have to use different means to get there." These are people who claim to know the Good Shepherd but don't walk in His paths of righteousness. These are people who have cheapened the grace of God as a way to do wrong and then receive a quick "OK" on their actions.

Here is your ammunition if someone says this in your presence; tell them this from Paul's letter to a young pastor:

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (II Timothy 2:19, NIT)

"Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord" . . . . His name is used to describe us. His name is bound up in our walk as believers. He has chosen to allow His holy name to be identified with us. If we live just like the world, and don't appear to be any different, we cause His name to be denigrated, even to be blasphemed. He guides us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Contentment?

It's achievable.

Step One is to make the Lord our shepherd. Step Two is to enjoy His provisions for us: spiritual food, living water, restoration, and guidance. 
We'll take up "next steps" when we study again.