By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
Good Shepherd, now that we are home, lead us beside the still waters and restore our souls.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Psalm 23:2-3a
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”
Coming home to God is a beautiful moment of grace, but it’s also the beginning of a process of restoration. The time spent on a detour can leave our souls weary, depleted, and out of practice with the habits that keep us healthy. The Good Shepherd knows this, and His first order of business is to restore our souls.
This beautiful passage from Psalm 23 shows us the process. He makes us “rest.” The first step in restoration is often to cease from striving and simply rest in His presence and forgiveness. He “leads me beside peaceful streams.” This is a picture of being refreshed and rehydrated by His Spirit and His Word after a time in the dry wilderness.
He “renews my strength” and “guides me along right paths.” As we rest and drink deeply of Him again, our spiritual strength returns. He gently helps us rebuild the foundational habits of our faith—getting back into His Word, re-engaging in prayer, reconnecting with community—and sets our feet back on the right path. Restoration is not rushed; it is a gentle, loving process led by our Shepherd.
Disciples’ Life Tip:
What is one “green meadow” or “peaceful stream” you can go to today to begin restoring your soul? Maybe it’s spending 10 minutes in quiet prayer, putting on a worship album, or reading a single Psalm. Choose one simple act of soul care.
Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the Shepherd who restores our souls. Lead us, refresh us, and guide us as we rebuild our relationship with You. Amen.
