“He restores my soul.”

In the spring of 2004 I was in seminary and taking an Old Testament class where we had to take original texts in Hebrew and translate them to English. It was hard work, but I found the task immensely illuminating. As I translated Psalm 23, I came to verse 3 and the phrase “restores my soul” moved me to tears. A realization just struck me that it is the Shepherd who turns my soul so I can be in the path of righteousness. Thereafter came another bit of insight, when my soul is restored, I am like the sunflower who seeks the face of the sun all the day long. When this happens, my soul is strong and comforted, and I will be able to walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil because the Lord, as my rod and staff, will comfort me. When my soul is restored fully and turned towards the Son all day long, I will know His goodness and mercy and will dwell in his home forever.

Father in heaven, thank you for sending the Shepherd, your Son Jesus Christ, to restore our souls. May our souls seek the light of your son just like the sunflowers seek the light of the sun all
day long. In his name we pray. Amen.

– Shared by Rev. Nora Gonzalez