Psalm 23:3
Life can be very challenging for us all. There are times when we are on top of the world, other times are not so. There are days when we do not have it all together. In those times, there is a tendency for us to be worn out, distressed or cranky.
The human soul is like a machine, it can function with enhanced or low performance. This depends on the things we go through in life and how joyful we are. The human soul is the seat of our intellect, will, emotions and thoughts. For this reason, when the soul functions at a low productivity rate, the person becomes broken, confused and sad. In these times, the individual needs a restoration of the soul.
If our soul is not restored from time to time, we will not have the energy to face life’s trials. As humans, we need two forms of energy to sail through life: external energy and internal energy. External energy is the energy of the body while internal energy is the energy of the soul. The more internal energy a man has, the better he will be able to handle life’s challenges. The soul is indeed the essence of a man.
Whatever direction the soul of a man faces, the man must follow that direction. Much more than the energy we get from food, the energy that comes from the soul powers us through the ups and downs of life (Proverbs 18:14). If the soul is gladdened, the man is happy and motivated. If the soul is depressed, the man lacks the drive and energy to pursue life. At this point, the man needs the restoration of the soul.
Quite interestingly, only one person can restore our souls. Who is he?
The Good Shepherd
Restoration of the soul simply means bringing the soul back to its optimal state. It means to bring the soul to a place of rest and peace within. After seasons of worry, distress and anxiety, God brings restoration to our souls by instilling serenity and calm within our souls.
After driving a car around for a while, its performance may drop a little below the optimal performance. Driving the car around at such a point may lead to more complex damages in the car. It is best to take the car to an automobile engineer who will service the car and fix it so that it can function at optimal performance again. This process of maintenance of the car can also be likened to the restoration of the soul.
The human soul is like the car in the illustration above. As we go about our daily activities, the stress, problems, bills and activities can wear us out. This leads to the depletion of the energy once accumulated in the soul. At these times, the individual is usually frustrated, touchy and cranky. For some reason they cannot explain, they are easily irritated by the slightest things. If you ever find yourself at this point at any time, what you need is the restoration of your soul. Going about your daily activities in such a state could be very dangerous for you and everyone who will come in contact with you.
What you need at that moment is a visit to the engineer of the soul. Of all the engineers in the world, none can fix the soul. However, we have an Engineer above all Engineers. He created the whole world and the human soul. When we are in a state of distress, he knows just what to do to fix us and make us whole again. That Engineer is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave the call for all who are weary and heavy-laden to come unto him. He promised to give rest unto our souls (Matthew 11: 28-30). This is because he is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). No one can do it as Jesus does it. If you try to seek fulfilment and rest from any other source, you will only enter into an endless cycle that will never satisfy you. Only Jesus can give you the rest you truly desire.
Are you depressed, frustrated or tired of life? Jesus says to you, “Come unto me.” All you need to do is to come, He will take care of the rest. Like the good shepherd that he is, Jesus wants you to lead you to a place of peace and calmness in your life’s journey. Allow him to do so.
How Will Jesus Restore My Soul?
Before Jesus gives you restoration in your soul, you have to come to him first. You must acknowledge him as your creator, shepherd and sustainer. You must realize that you do not have what it takes to help yourself. Thereafter, you must take a bold step to come to Jesus to fix your soul up. He is the doctor of the soul.
This is why the need for a personal retreat from time to time cannot be overemphasized. When you notice that you are being choked up by your daily schedule and your soul is not in the right state, you need a retreat urgently. A personal retreat is when you set time apart for yourself and God alone: no phone calls, social media or disturbances.
During your retreat, you should open up before God and ask him to make you whole again. Spend time praying, fasting and studying God’s word. Listen to hear God’s voice for any instruction he might have for you. You can also spend time in meditation before God during your retreat. As you do all these things before God, you will find that an unexplainable strength will surge up in your soul and you will be energized to face life again.
The restoration of the soul may not end your problems automatically, but it will surely give you the strength to sail through life’s storms successfully. No matter what you go through in life, never fail to run into the arms of the great shepherd of your soul, he will restore your soul!
King James Version (KJV)
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
New International Version (NIV)
“he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.”
