Psalm 23: Restoration and Righteousness

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness 

For His name's sake.

There is a sweet and refreshing sound to the idea of restoration. When friends drift apart or experience friction in their relationship, how wonderful the occasion is when the relationship is restored.

Two college friends are reacquainted after 20 years. There is a warm embrace and the reminiscence of old times. They share stories of family, career, old friends and new, twenty years of life. They are each thrilled to share past accomplishments but also the sorrow and pain of life’s trials. They laugh ‘til they cry as one remembers her own childish immaturity or an almost forgotten embarrassment. Compelled only by time or circumstances, they part company with a heavy sigh...and they both agree, “We can’t let another twenty years pass! We must stay in touch.”

This last statement illustrates the restoration is a new beginning. Realizing this same truth, David begged God to assist him beyond the beginning of the restoration of his soul:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And sustain me with a willing spirit. 

--Psalm 51

David realized that a clean heart was only the beginning, so also, restored salvation. He needed something that would sustain him beyond the initial cleansing. He needed continued assistance.

The shepherd-king affirms one way in which God assures assistance beyond restoration. In the 23rd Psalm David wrote:

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

The Great Shepherd understands the human dilemma. He understands that a one-time cleansing is insufficient. So, he leads us on a path that will keep our relationship with him pure.

From the beginning of time, it was God’s intent that mankind walk in righteousness. In simple terms, righteousness is doing what is right. Yet it is a reflection of the very character of God. That is to say that God is, in Himself, altogether righteous. As a part of His divine nature God does not ponder over the meaning of righteousness. He does not try to be righteous. By his own character He is the essence of righteousness.

For God to expect or demand righteousness on the part of man is nothing less than a call for us to be like Him. As the Great Shepherd leads us in the paths of righteousness, He is leading us in such a way that we will mature according to His character. Ultimately, we will, by nature, do that which is good and right, fulfilling the goal of restoration.

He does this for His name’s sake. The simple idea is this: If God did not restore souls, and if God did not lead us in paths of righteousness, then the accusation could be made that He did not care for His sheep. Yet that contradicts His nature of love.

For His name’s sake indicates that His actions have truly preserved His name and His character. He is right in showing mercy and grace, because He is the very essence and definition of love.

People may ponder or wonder about the wrath of God, eternal punishment, and the existence of hell. But no one can possibly doubt God’s compassion and love. He has demonstrated these qualities in His divine character, when...

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

For His name’s sake.

Mark Stinnett

November 10, 2024