Category: justice

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

He Restores My Soul —

   “Soul” can be the mind or emotions or both. Other possible translations of the Hebrew word are appetite, passion, desires, and character.[i]  Within these words, I see a complete human being of mind, will, and emotions.

   When we look at “restore,” it suggests a factory reset or recalibration.[ii] It is a return of human or spiritual relations. It speaks of a reversal of trajectory.

   When I take this phrase in order, I discover the fullness of “He restores my soul.” If I draw from the study of the last verse, I understand that as I rest beside the still waters of intimacy with Him, He recalibrates my mind, will, and emotions. He resets my appetites, passions, and desires — my character. For a newer believer or a backslidden one, there is the promise that He will reverse one’s direction from sin to sanctification (John 17:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 2:11).

   In this place where I find rest and intimacy with Him and view life from heaven’s perspective, (see blog on Psalms 23:2), He reminds me of who I was created to be. He opens my eyes to see where I have sinned and brought separation in human and spiritual relationships. He makes a way of repentance for me to restore those relationships. He also takes me up higher where I can clearly see the benefits of forgiving sins perpetrated against me, and again, He restores. He restores me to my original design.

He Leads —

   “Leads” is also used in verse 2, but it is translated from a different Hebrew word. This instance of “leads” can be translated as “bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, or straighten.”[iii] My Shepherd, in His great grace, guides me forward, toward His best life for me.

In Paths —

   ”Paths” does not seem like a word with a deeper meaning. I read this and see a dirt trail worn into the wilderness. I decided to look the word up anyway since this seems to be the theme for this season’s study. I was amazed by what I found. The “path” He leads me on is from a Hebrew word that can be translated as “circular” or “track.”[iv] At its root, it is “round.”[v]

   I find this fascinating. It is not a path meandering through the woods with unknown perils. It is a round track. It is predictable, constant, steady. It is achievable. Maybe this is why (and how) I often begin journeying ahead of Him and sometimes get misaligned. (Then He recalibrates me in mind, emotions, and will.)

   The beautiful part is, with Jesus, a new lap around the same track can be familiar and completely new. It can exist at different levels and speeds. The scenery never gets old or boring, and no one and nothing else compares to my Guide.

   He leads me on a path I cannot fall from when I keep Him in sight. I might fall on it, veer out of my lane, or move too fast or slow, but I cannot follow His guidance and fall from it. It is a sure thing (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 7:25).

Of Righteousness —

   What are the paths He guides on? The paths of righteousness. Righteousness means what is right naturally, morally, or legally. It also speaks to equity or prosperity.[vi]

   At its root, this righteousness is about who I am, not how I am. It is about who I am on the inside, not who I can make you think I am on the outside. I had a pastor who often said, “It is not about behavior modification; it is about transformation.” When I know the transformative power of walking with Jesus, I become who He designed me to be. If I only act the way I think I am supposed to (performance Christianity), I miss the glorious adventure of walking this path with Jesus, being transformed into His image day by day, step by step.

   Indicators of righteousness are found in the way I speak. Righteousness carries vindication, justification, deliverance, victory, and prosperity at every level of society.[vii] Whether in the marketplace, neighborhood, or courtroom, all of these attributes are found on the paths of righteousness.

For His Name’s Sake —

   Why does my Shepherd lead me on paths of righteousness? It brings glory to His reputation. When I follow Him and become one who walks on paths of righteousness, not just act like it, I bring Him glory. I set a seal of approval on His reputation. When people who knew me when I walked on other paths see me now, they must know there is a Savior, and His name is Jesus.

   Within the definitions of the Hebrew words, two words stand out, “heed” and “intent.”[viii] His intent is for the world to see my life transformation and take heed of His name. How much more I now want to walk on paths of righteousness that the world may know Him.

   He recalibrates my mind, emotions, and will so I can reverse my trajectory and regain human and spiritual relationships. He guides me forward on a sure track toward the life He has dreamed for me. The track on which I follow Him is laced with vindication, justification, deliverance, victory, and prosperity to me and through me. His intent, as I am transformed into His image, step by step, is for the world to see and heed His name, and then He is glorified. This is my all.

 

   I am currently working on publishing a Bible study on Nehemiah. It is in the final proofreading stage now and will be going to formatting soon! I am very excited to get this study in book form and into your hands. I will be sharing the cover soon with my mailing list, so be sure to sign up with your email address today to stay up to date on everything Nehemiah.