Monday, October 5, 2026
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. (Psalm 23:1-3)
We use the word restore in different ways, although the meaning remains essentially the same. To restore an old and valuable painting to its original condition, museum experts work patiently for hours, focusing on one small section at a time. They attempt to remove layers of grime and smoke to bring out colors as bright as the day the artist first applied them. If thieves are caught after a robbery, stolen possessions will eventually be restored to the rightful owner. Likewise with warring nations, through difficult and delicate negotiations, a lasting peace may be restored. In each case of restoration, something valuable, fragile, or damaged is brought back to its proper condition or returned to its owner.
“The LORD is my Shepherd … He restores my soul.” When we are soul-weary and heartsick with worry and fear, when our souls are burdened by guilt and grief, the Lord our Good Shepherd, leads us to rest and refreshment in the green pastures and still waters of His Word. According to His mercy and steadfast love, Jesus forgives our sins and upholds us with the promises of His Word. Like a treasured painting restored to brightness, our souls our restored and reflect once again the peace and hope received from our Shepherd. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have been delivered safely into the hands of our Creator, our rightful Owner. Our Heavenly Father “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). Dying and risen with Christ Jesus in Baptism, we have been raised and restored to life in our Savior. We are God’s holy, treasured people.
When negotiators try to restore peace between warring nations, both sides must come to the bargaining table. Discussions are held to determine terms, discuss future armament plans, and the possession of lands won or lost in battle. Through Christ Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. We have nothing to bring to the bargaining table. There is nothing we can offer in exchange to earn God’s favor and peace. This work of restoration is the work of God alone, who gave His Son to atone for our sins. The battle was fought, and won, at the cross and in His resurrection. We have been raised to new life in Christ. Our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our souls are restored.
WE PRAY: Good Shepherd, when I am weary and overcome with guilt, forgive my sins and restore my soul. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions: