This week is brought to you by the letter R, and the word restore. The context of this word depends on the usage in a sentence, right? 

• I love to restore vintage furniture.

• There is an effort to restore him to his appropriate position.

• Let's restore this wallet to its rightful owner.

But the fundamental definition is simple: to bring back.

Psalm 23 is embedded deep within my heart and mind. It's only six verses with a meager 117-word count. Basic enough to memorize and powerful enough to maintain. I was contemplating this short phrase — “He restores my soul.” 

Jesus, our good Shepherd, brings back our soul. From what? Weariness? Sorrow? Death? Yes, yes, and amen! Obviously, if He is attentive to the fact that we are not in a good place, He intends to bring us back.

If you think about literal sheep, there could be various scenarios. A lamb could be stuck, or its mom could be sick. A ram could be in combat, or a fellow sheep lost its way.🐑 Whatever the situation, the Shepherd is determined to bring us back.

Hurt, heartbroken, or hidden sheep do not go unseen by Jesus. He intends to restore us whether we're in green pastures or headed into the valley. The One we follow and listen to loves us and longs to bring us back.

[The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.]
Psalm 23

Sit with this Psalm for a few minutes each day in the upcoming week. If you feel a little Holy Spirit prompt, begin memorizing it so it's hidden in your heart.💝 Jesus longs to restore us on the regular. It is not a one-and-done situation. Society, circumstances, and our own self will daily draw us away from our Shepherd. 

But good news! His plan. To restore us. 
Bring us back. To Himself. Every time.