Paths of righteousness

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

The Shepherd often does restore my soul through the familiar words of Psalm 23.

When, like a sheep, I am discontent, directionless, and distraught, he makes me lay down.  He leads me.  He restores me.  When I have strayed from him, he seeks me out and brings me back to the throne of grace.

When doubts invade and fears prevail, he comforts me.  He whispers truth of the hope to come and help I have.

When decisions need to be made, he shows me the way.  That's the way it works: the shepherd leads, the sheep follow.  What grace today to be reminded that the Lord is my shepherd and that he leads me in the right way - "in paths of righteousness."  Whether I'm straying or simply confused, he knows not only my good is at stake, but his reputation.

"For his name's sake."  

Jesus was not lying when he said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11, emphasis mine).  He did lay down his life for us, after all.  He knows how to restore, direct, discipline, and provide for his sheep.

What grace to be his, silly and senseless sheep that I am.

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen."  Hebrews 13:20-21