BOUNTIES FOR THE HEALTHY SOUL

“HE RESTORES MY SOUL; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake” – Psalm 23:3

God satisfies the Believer with all the BOUNTIES for the HEALTHY SOUL: “HE RESTORES my SOUL; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake” (Psa.23:3). In this powerful Psalm, the sheep expresses faith in the Shepherd’s blessings. The psalm presents a simple but profound declaration of God as Shepherd; parading His wide array of Bounties for the Healthy Soul. Like David did, I testify that the Lord is my Redeemer, Shepherd, Restorer and the Satisfier of my soul!

God satisfies my soul with Rest: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures” (v.2a). He grants me peaceful Rest and proper Nourishment in place of weariness and hunger (Mt.11:28). God disallows Satan the restless rebel from interfering with His peace in my life. By His Grace, I conquer anxiety, triumph over turmoil, and prevail over perplexities.

God satisfies my soul with Refreshing: “He leads me beside quiet waters” (v.2b). Knowing that sheep will not drink from running or rushing water; the Good Shepherd dams the rushing stream to provide a serene and tranquil pool for us to safely drink. He meets the thirst of my soul with His Peace and Refreshment in a tough and turbulent world (Ps.46:10).

God satisfies my soul with Restoration: “He restores my soul” (v.3a). When I am almost down and discouraged, He ‘reboots my system’ (Lk.15:4-6).

God satisfies my soul with Guidance and Direction: “He leads me” (v.3b). He gives me direction in place of confusion. As I lift up my soul to God in faith, I will never be ashamed; but will be shown His ways, taught His paths, and led in His truth (Ps.25:1-4). Life is like an unmarked road with blind turns and junctions. I trust in God’s guidance to make the right Choices.  

God satisfies my soul with Courage and Boldness: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow the death, I will fear no evil” (v.4a). He deals with my fears in trying times. His Presence eliminates the fear of darkness and evil (2Tim.1:7).

God satisfies my soul with His Presence: “For You are with me” (v.4b). His Divine Presence deletes all sense of despair. My Lord is ever-present, never sleeps nor slumbers, and has a fence of defence around as He watching over us (Ps.4:8; 121:3).

God satisfies my soul with Comfort: “Your rod and staff comfort me” (v.4c). We live in a tough and comfortless world, full of trials and troubles (Job 14:1). But our Shepherd has given us another Comforter – the Holy Spirit (Jh.14:26, 16:33).

God satisfies my soul with Abundant Provisions: “You prepare a table before me…” (v.5a). The Great Provider not only supplies, but prepares a banquet table just for me – as long as I follow diligently and obediently (Dt.28:1-14).

God satisfies my soul with Protection: “in the presence of my enemies…” (v.5b). In God’s Presence, Satan can only threaten; he cannot touch, because the Divine Decree has gone forth: “Saying, “Do not touch My anointed one, and do My prophets no harm” (Ps.105:15). Christ’s invisible Blood-line and the Holy Spirit’s wall of fire surround me (Ps.91; Zech. 2:5).

God satisfies my soul with Power and Anointing: “you anoint my head with oil” (v.5c). Although folks in the world are hungry for power; all Power in heaven and earth belong to Jesus (Mt.28:18). I am empowered to Go, Flow, Give, and Reign!

God satisfies my soul with Joy: “my cup runs over…Goodness and Mercy” (v.6). My Shepherd’s angels – Goodness and Mercy – accompany me perpetually. My cup is enlarged to receive overflowing blessings.

As my soul pants passionately for God, He’ll ensure that I am never cast down: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Psa.42: 1-2, 5). As I lift up my soul to God in trust, I will never be ashamed (Ps.25:1, 20). He’ll keep and preserve my soul among the living, will not allow my feet to slip, and will do me good always (Psa.66:9, 16).