I was reading a devotional the other day and praying when a verse in Psalm 23 jumped out at me, “He refreshes my soul…” Isn’t that just so comforting?

I have a piece of art hanging in my house that says, “He Restores My Soul...” – Psalm 23:3

A few days later, wouldn’t you know that at staff worship, we sang part of Psalm 23. The following week, the same song again. And then in my Life Group, this part of the Psalm was mentioned.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it takes God speaking to me a few times in different ways before a message sinks in! So, I decided to meditate on Psalm 23 a bit more and write down these thoughts. Notice the bold, recurring words throughout:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

The Lord guides, protects and provides for me so I can have all that I need. I am grateful for these provisions.

“He restores my soul or refreshes my soul.”

According to Webster’s Dictionary, “restore” means to give back, return; bring back into existence; put back into a former or original state, and “refresh” means to restore strength to or to freshen up. Restore and refresh mean to renew, repair, revitalize, revive, renovate, rejuvenate, reinvigorate, or replenish. I am thankful that I can go to God at any time and He can restore my soul (spirit).

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

When I walk through dark times, there is no need to fear anything because the Lord is with me and His rod and staff bring comfort as they are used to correct and direct me on the right path. I am beholden that even during my darkest times, God is there through it all. He comforts me in my pain, anxiety and anguish.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

The Lord’s goodness and love are with me always. I dwell in the house of the LORD (Yahweh - the most sacred). I am indebted to the Lord for His goodness and love.

When we are weary, going through a dark valley, or are feeling sad, God revitalizes our souls. He truly is the God of comfort.

God has comforted me during times of anxiety and depression, miscarriages, the suffering and loss of my father, the passing of other loved ones, and other family challenges. But He has also been beside me during beautiful moments, such as marrying my husband and the birth of my daughter.

I love that Psalm 23 can be a comfort to the hurting heart, and a song of praise and gratitude at any time of life. God guides and leads us along on the right paths. He comforts us and prepares a way for us so we can dwell in His house forever.

God is reminding me that I have nothing to fear because of His great love! Through Him, I can relinquish my control and fear, and dwell in the steadfast love and light of the Lord always.

I hope that you will receive the same encouragement that I have found in the words of Psalm 23, and that you will be reminded of God’s love for you no matter what season of life you are in.

Additional Study:

Psalm 23 is cross-referenced in the Bible many times, with specific words that make evident God’s promises. We can take comfort in knowing that many times throughout the Bible God’s love for us is demonstrated by His words of guidance, leading, strengthening, and renewing!

Psalm 19:7 - The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Psalm 73:24 - You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Psalm 31:3 - Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Isaiah 41:10 – fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.