Restoration and Guidance

11-1-2010

Restoration and Guidance by Boyd Bailey


“He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Psalm 23:3

Restoration and guidance come from the righteous one, Jesus Christ. Sin stains a soul like time tarnishes an old piece of furniture. But the Lord’s grace and forgiveness restores a soiled soul to its intended image of God. A Christian occasionally needs a renewal of faith, hope and love. There is a deep longing to be who He purposed His children to be, “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).

A saved soul is meant to sit at the feet of its Savior, Jesus, and be revived with a radical faith. It’s when our belief becomes stale and moldy with mediocrity that we miss making a difference in the lives of the lost. Christ is the bread of life, so He expects no less of an appetizing life from His children. Is my life enticing or does my soul need realignment?

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). A restored soul is attractive and inviting to those with whom it connects.

Furthermore, our loving Shepherd Jesus guides us on the right path of His purposes. He doesn’t harshly drive us like cattle. Rather He lovingly leads us like sheep. Curiosity or ignorance can cause us to miss the way, but Jesus is the Way. So when His long and sensitive staff seeks to pull us back onto the path, we are wise to follow His lead.

Guidance from God is a necessity for us to know we are doing His will. And building His kingdom, not our kingdom, is the real issue. If I pray “Your kingdom come”, but focus on building my own kingdom, then I need to surrender to my King Jesus. So, is your business or family about building His kingdom, or is it an idol that represents your kingdom?

It’s for His name’s sake that you are a husband, a wife, a parent, a child, a leader and a friend. In Christ you are His namesake, therefore you are motivated to love and serve in His name. Living for the Lord means you make choices like lowering your lifestyle, so that you can better promote Him. Perhaps you replace a vacation with a mission trip, so you can proclaim His name. Or, maybe you simply serve a neighbor in Jesus’ name. “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (Psalm 31:3).

Has my soul been fully restored by my righteous God? Do I serve for His name’s sake?

Related Readings: Psalm 85:6; Isaiah 38:16; Romans 12:12; Colossians 3:10