HE RESTORES AND LEADS ME
Have you ever had a moment where you realize, “I’m not where I need to be?” Maybe you’ve made a decision you regret, or slowly drifted from God, and wonder how to get back on track? Maybe you didn’t rebel or slowly drift away from God; you’re just tired and worn out from life lifing…What does the shepherd do with sheep like that? Does he abandon them? Shame them for leaving? Leave them where they fell? Psalm 23 isn’t just about a shepherd who provides for healthy sheep; it’s about a shepherd who knows what to do when we’re down, lost, and need help. God is perfect; we are not. Even God’s sheep can go through lows or go astray. We are not immune from our weaknesses or stubborn ways. We need God every day because we can become weak, tired, and need to be renewed spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
V. 3a He restores my soul.
Meaning of text
David has just expressed how God has led him to safety, peace, food, rest, and streams of refreshing. This is no doubt the reason he says, “He restores my soul.”
The verb for “restore” (sûb) in Hebrew here includes “to return, to refresh.” A returning or bringing back to a former state. -The Preacher's Commentary, Complete 35-Volume Set: Genesis – Revelation (Function). Kindle Edition.
“My soul” has also been interpreted as “my life.” Theologians have differing views on whether this is spiritual or physical. But there is a suitable marriage of the two; God restores the whole person, spiritually and physically.
David has experienced the Lord step into moments of exhaustion, failure, or grief and pour life back where it has been drained. The Shepherd restores and repairs what weariness, sin, sorrow, and fear have wrought.
Paul reminds us, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). -The Preacher's Commentary, Complete 35-Volume Set: Genesis – Revelation (Function). Kindle Edition.
Cultural Context
David cries out: Psalm 42:11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
There is a parallel in shepherding sheep that fits perfectly here. There is a condition that shepherds call being “cast” or “cast down.” A cast sheep is when it has gotten onto its back and cannot get upright on its own. This can happen when a sheep lies down in a comfortable spot or depression in the ground. It shifts its weight, rolls a little too far, and suddenly its feet are in the air. It will struggle. It will kick. It will try to roll itself back over. But many times, it cannot get itself back onto its feet. And the longer it remains there, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Pressure and gases build up inside its body. Circulation can be affected. The sheep becomes exhausted and vulnerable to predators. Eventually, if the shepherd doesn’t find it, the sheep can die. So a good shepherd is constantly watching and counting his flock. When one sheep is missing, the shepherd goes looking for it because there is a good chance it has been cast down somewhere. And when the shepherd finds that sheep, he restores it. He rolls the sheep back over and gets it onto its feet. But he doesn’t necessarily let go immediately. The shepherd holds and restores circulation to the legs and waits until the sheep has regained enough strength to stand and walk again. Then the sheep can return to the flock. When you understand that picture, David’s words take on even greater meaning: “He restores my soul.” -Keller, pages 48-50
Application
Even though we have the Lord as our perfect shepherd, we can become cast or go astray. It’s not God’s lack of leadership; it’s our humanity, our weaknesses, our propensity to sin, and stubbornness that leads us astray. When in trouble, hopefully we can recognize it, humble ourselves, and call out for help like sheep do when they are cast.
You see, God knows this about us. This is why God isn’t disgusted, fed up, or even furious with us. God has the same concern and compassion for us as a shepherd would. Luke 15:1-7 NLT
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Our hope and confidence come not from our grip on Him, but from His covenant love for us.
God not only restores you, but he also sets you up and points you in the right direction. This leads us to the next portion of scripture…
V. 3b He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Meaning of text
“He leads me in paths of righteousness”
The Hebrew word for "paths" (ma'galey) suggests well-worn tracks, indicating a consistent and faithful walk with God. -Berean Bible Study Notes
The paths of righteousness are not just moral choices but a lifestyle aligned with God's will. The word here for “righteousness” in Hebrew means straight or true.
According to Proverbs, there are two possible paths (Prov. 4:26; 5:21): the straight path that leads to life, and the crooked path that leads to death.
God is righteous, which is why we need to follow Him and His Word to know what is right living and the straight path to life.
“For his name’s sake”
In ancient Israel, one’s name was inseparably linked with his reputation and standing.
God’s restoring and guiding work displays His holy character, faithfulness, and covenant love. He acts consistently with the promises bound to His name, not because His people deserve His care, but because He is righteous and true…Every step of restoration and righteous guidance advertises His faithfulness, so that the watching world will glorify Him rather than mock Him. -Berean Study Bible Notes
This zeal for His name runs through the Bible: Psalm 106:6-8 Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! 7 Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. 8 Even so, he saved them to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power.
Cultural Context:
Keller explains that sheep are creatures of habit. If left to themselves, they will continue following the same trails and grazing the same areas over and over again. Eventually, those trails become deep ruts, the pasture becomes overgrazed, and the land becomes useless. The interesting thing is that the sheep will continue returning to those same places even when doing so is no longer good for them.
Sheep need to be led because they cannot always be trusted to choose the right path for themselves. This is why Keller says one of the most important responsibilities of a good shepherd is to keep the sheep moving to new pastures. He intentionally moves them from pasture to pasture and onto fresh ground. The shepherd knows the land better than the sheep. He knows where they’ve been. He knows where the good pasture is. He knows where there is danger. And he knows when it is time to move on.
A shepherd's reputation is on the line. It doesn't look good for a flock to be the reason a ground is destroyed. Or for a flock to be sick from a land that is destroyed and filled with parasites. A shepherd either has the reputation as one who truly loves and cares for his flock or one who is inattentive, incompetent, and doesn't value his sheep or the land.
Application
Like sheep, we are creatures of habit. When we go our own way, we can repeat the same bad habits, make the same decisions, have the same attitudes, return to the same temptations, and get stuck in ruts, which is not the life God has for us.
Proverbs 14:12: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
God guides us in paths of righteousness and away from destructive ones through His Word, in the light of His Son, and by the Holy Spirit. These “paths” are practical:
The paths to walk - Learning His ways through His Word
Psalm 119:104-105 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. 105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
The heart for God - Daily trust and obedience
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The Shepherd’s example - Walking in the way and truth of Christ
1 John 2:3-6 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
We really need the Lord to shepherd and guide us. This is why I asked: Is the Lord truly our shepherd? Who is leading your life? Is it You? This world?
All of God’s people are not meant to live randomly. God leads his followers in the paths that align with His will and character. God leads us on clearly marked tracks that are morally right and spiritually safe. Following God’s path may feel routine at times, but it is doing more in your life than you know. Sometimes we don’t realize how much the right path was protecting us until we step off of it. Ultimately, God is leading us to life, not death.
The ministry of the Shepherd restores our soul and rights our walk, bringing Him glory.
Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Zondervan, 2007.
Discussion
Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul.” What stood out to you about the picture of a “cast” sheep and the shepherd restoring it to its feet? What does that teach us about the heart of God toward us when we are weak, weary, or struggling?
Where do you most need the Shepherd’s restoring work right now? Is there an area where you feel spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically depleted? What might allowing God to restore you look like?
Can you share about a time when you sinned, wandered from God, or made choices that took you off the right path—and God restored you? What did the process of being restored teach you about God, repentance, grace, or yourself?
Keller describes sheep as creatures of habit that will keep returning to the same paths even when those paths are no longer good for them. What habits, attitudes, temptations, or patterns can easily become “ruts” in our lives? How can we recognize when we are slipping back into them?
“He leads me in paths of righteousness.” Of the three ways discussed—God’s Word, daily trust and obedience, and following the example of Jesus—which one is God challenging you to grow in right now? What is one practical step you can take this week?
Who is really shepherding your life right now? Think about your decisions, priorities, relationships, time, and habits. Where are you following the Shepherd well, and where might God be asking you to trust His path instead of your own?
How can we pray together for you today?
If Jesus isn’t the shepherd of your soul, the Savior and Lord of your life, are you ready to make that decision today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!