HE RESTORETH MY SOUL.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MARCH 19

 

Psalm 23:3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the

paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep.”
 
We are prone to wander, and having wandered we never return till the good Shepherd seeks us.
 
But his eye is upon the wanderer.
 
His heart yearns unto it.
 
He follows it with reproofs, rebukes, and expostulations; and at length he restores it.
 
He convinces of the folly of wandering from the fold,
  the soul becomes unhappy in its wandering state,
  a spirit of prayer is awakened,
  concern to return deepens,
  the sheep creeps to the Shepherd’s feet,
  acknowledges its sin and folly,
  implores mercy, and cries,
 “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.”
 
It is taken up by gentle reproofs to the fold.
 
Every restoration is of grace.
 
In every instance it is the Shepherd’s care that restores the wandering soul.
 
The restored wanderer always feels deeply humbled,
   flies to the precious blood of atonement,
       admires restoring mercy,
           becomes more cautious,
               careful, and circumspect;
                   his conscience is more tender,
                        his hatred of sin is deeper, and
                           his jealousy of his own heart is more lively.
 
He pants for the presence of God, prizes the ordinances of religion, and watches unto prayer.
 

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;

Prone to leave the God I love-

Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it,

Seal it for thy courts above.

 
James Smith