Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
After a particularly traumatic period in my life—one that stretched through several years—I found myself feeling rather shattered inside. In the midst of all the fear and heartache, I had desperately clung to Jesus, and He had ever so faithfully seen me through. But once the dust began to settle, I started to become more and more aware of the weary and broken condition of my soul.
A favorite podcaster had recently closed her thoughts with Psalm 23, and even though I could recite the words by heart, I found myself revisiting the much-quoted psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
As I reread the familiar words, what resonated within me was the image of God the Father tenderly leading me beside still water. Of Him allowing me time to lie down and rest in a place where my needs were met. Of Him restoring my soul. Oh, how I longed for a peaceful season of rest, and oh, how I needed restoration for my battered and wounded soul.
I began to pray. From the depths of my weary spirit I cried out, Father, please restore my soul. Day after day, Restore my soul.
It wasn’t long after I reread this psalm and began praying for God to restore my soul that He brought me to another verse about restoration. This time Psalm 19:7:
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
And inside a thought clicked into place. I want my soul restored? God’s word will be the catalyst.
It seems so obvious. Yet when we our souls are fatigued, it is all too easy to look for answers elsewhere.
Perhaps you find yourself where I was—you survived the battle, but you’re a little worse for wear. Or maybe your battle still rages. Dear sister, the restoration we so desperately seek is tucked away right there, in the pages of our Bible. The word breathed out by God Himself—useful for teaching and correction and training (2 Timothy 3:16)—is also our source of restoration. So when our souls feel weary and worn, when it feels heavy to pick up our Bibles, that’s the very time we need God’s word, for it has the power to restore us. (Isaiah 40:30, Psalm 19:7)
Here are just a few of the promises about the restoration that is to be found through God’s word:
- First, we will find wise counsel. Psalm 119:24 says, Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.(emphasis added) The word of God will counsel us and give us insight and even direction in the midst our struggle. His is the truth against which all other advice and counsel must be measured.
- The word of God has the power to transform our perspective and help us rediscover our joy. Jeremiah 15:16 says, Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. The word of God will restore our joy and delight as He shifts our focus to a spiritual perspective grounded in our true identity as a child of God.
- We find freedom for our soul. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free. The word of God will teach us truth to combat and break free from the lies of the world—lies to which we are so very vulnerable when hurting.
So, my friend, put down the chocolate. Unplug from Netflix. And seek restoration from its only true source. Come and sit in the presence of the God, meet Him in His word, and allow Him to restore your weary soul.
More Verses to consider:
- Psalm 119:25: My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
- Isaiah 55:11: So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
- Psalm 107:20: He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
- Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intention of the heart.
Until next time,
Shelby
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