Psalm 23 is a familiar psalm and undoubtedly the most popular in current society. It’s popular at funerals – expressing sorrow and sadness for a loss. Yet it ends on an upbeat note referring to God’s goodness and mercy for all the days of our lives. A true psalm for reflecting on this journey we call “life”.
I happened to study this psalm recently in my daily bible study “When Words Fail” by Proverbs 31 Ministries (their First 5 daily devotional).
The timing of this psalm was impeccable (as God’s timing always is!). I was packing for my “solitude” trip up to a cabin on a lake in northern Michigan. I have never done anything alone like this in my life, so I was a bit nervous. But God comforted me and calmed my fears when I read this psalm with fresh eyes.
It simply overflowed my heart with so much joy that I want to write about it over the five Sundays in this month of September 2018.
I hope you will take the time to read this amazing psalm with fresh eyes and allow it to renew your heart, mind, and soul as you pursue Him every day. Rest. Restoration. Righteousness. Reassurance. Readiness.
Week 2 {Restoration}
Greetings from my well-rested self! If you read my Week 1 {Rest} blog from last Sunday, you know I was spending three glorious days alone at a cabin on a lake in northern Michigan.
I feel rested and restored after the weekend! I have gleaned so much from this tiny passage in Psalm 23:
Psalm 23:3a (NIV) He restores my soul.
Let me tell you, honestly, it is hard to completely explain the depths of my restoration on my healthy journey to joy.
Restoration is the action of returning something to a former place or condition. As I reflect back on this joyful journey, I am deeply thankful for the restoration of my mind, body, and soul! I am in a brand-new place. A very exciting and welcoming place. I believe a place that God has wooed me to return.
I was in a very weak place in my life before I finally included God in my health and wellness.
Physically I was exhausted and facing an increasing number of chronic health conditions. You can read my blog “Keto Heals: Exhaustion” to see just how exhausted!
Mentally I was walking around in a brain fog and not making time for anything that required my mental attention. I was not spending daily time in His word – for example!
Emotionally I was living in denial of all poor circumstances of my life.
Spiritually I was ignoring the most important relationship in my life. God does not want us to live like this!
I needed restoration and there is only one source for that!
I love how much David realized this, too. As I read through the psalms in my daily study, I see examples over and over again of David acknowledging where his help comes from. Here’s another passage where David wrote about restoration:
Psalm 30: 2 O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me!
David even went on later in this psalm to acknowledge his weaknesses as a man (Psalm 30:6), arrogance and pride, and the Lord reminded him of His favor. Recognizing the error of his ways, David cried to the Lord for mercy and grace (Psalm 30:8).
God heard his cries! The result of realizing the ONE and ONLY who can restore us? Joy. Pure Joy. A heart and soul overflowing with Joy!
With mounting health issues, I cried out to God and He heard my cries! I have been restored because of my complete dependence on the Lord. His mercy, His grace, His goodness, His provision, His guidance. It’s all about Him.
Restoration. As I noted in the margin of my bible near the word “restores” – He revives me. Indeed.
He turned my wailing into dancing,
He turned my mourning into joy,
My heart will sing to Him and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
(based on Psalm 30: 11 – 12 with my paraphrasing)
Kinbane Castle, Northern Ireland.
Photo: Luke Flint Media, Belfast, NI
If you are in a season of spiritual weakness, let me remind you of the only One who can restore your soul. God wants you to live an abundant life. He created you for worship and service. Spend time with Him every day without fail! Let Him help and be near to you while you walk this journey to restoration.
If you are in a season of physical ailments, I encourage you to explore my resources listed in my Keto 101 page to see if a low-carb lifestyle might help. YOU are WORTH it!
My restoration comes first from God, and then taking control of my health and wellness in my daily choices. He empowered me to do that and He will do the same for you!
I’ll leave you with another song. I’ve been listening to this on repeat all week. It’s a beautiful song of thanksgiving for the restoration of a soul. “You’re restoring me, piece by piece”. I need a tissue every time I sing this along with her.
Clean by Natalie Grant.
If you enjoyed this devotional, I would be so honored if you would share it with your friends and family. You can also find my blog posted on my Facebook page “Joyful Keto Life”. Please like my page and share. Also, please subscribe to my newsletter list to be kept in the loop! Don’t forget to “Choose Joy”!
I’ve created a free resource for you with my favorite five tips for your weight loss success. Grab it here:
5 Tips to Jumpstart Your Health and Wellness Journey
This song should be on the rotation, Christine!
I would absolutely love to share this song on a Sunday morning! I have a few in mind that I need to run by the “guys”!
Good morning Christine:)
This blog is amazing and so are you! God is great and He is good! He is using you for sure to help us all who need “spiritual food “ for our healing. I’m not sure why I chose you to read about on the other Keto site about your journey… Dr something?? but I’m so glad I did! It’s more than just what we eat and our choices, it’s about going to the source for our strength and hope and health- our Rock, our Heavenly Father. My daughter sent me a passage I’d like to share with you and others . 1Cor 6: 19-20. “ Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”. Amen to that!
Thank you for all you do and share Christine! You give me hope and inspiration:)
Robin Nolan
YSIC