Rhythms of Jesus – Week 7: The Discipline of Sabbath

Day 48: Restoring Your Soul

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, and for good reason. It paints a beautiful picture of God’s care and provision for His people. In these verses, David reflects on God’s tender guidance, leading us to places of rest and renewal. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” speaks of a place of tranquility and safety, where our souls can be restored.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the need for such restoration. We push ourselves to keep going, believing that we must always be busy or productive. Yet, just as the sheep need the shepherd to lead them to still waters, we need God to guide us to places of peace, where our souls can be restored. The green pastures and still waters represent not just physical rest, but spiritual renewal. When we allow ourselves to rest in God’s presence, He refreshes our hearts and minds, bringing healing and strength.

God invites us to lie down and rest in Him, not out of obligation, but out of love. He understands our need for restoration, and He lovingly leads us to places where we can experience His peace. When we take time to rest and reflect, we allow God to restore our souls and prepare us for the work He has set before us.

Key Verses:
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. ~ Psalm 23:2-3

Application:
Are you allowing yourself to rest and be restored by God? Reflect on your current rhythm of life. Are you giving yourself space to pause, to lie down in the green pastures God has prepared for you? Take time today to rest in His presence—whether through prayer, nature, or quiet reflection. Trust that when you rest in Him, He will restore your soul and renew your strength.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Shepherd, for leading me beside still waters and restoring my soul. I confess that I often resist rest, believing I need to keep striving. Teach me to rest in Your presence, to allow You to restore me, and to trust in Your care. Help me to slow down and find peace in the green pastures You have prepared for me. Thank You for Your faithful love and for the rest that comes from being with You. Amen.