One of the aspects of Christianity that has captured my heart over and over is the redemptive work of God to restore and recover lost things in our lives - even that which has been taken as a result of our sin and failure.
In the above scripture, David - as a shepherd, talks about sheep that have ended up in a place where they need help to get back on their feet again. Because of the balance of weight on their backside - when laying down they sometimes roll over and can't get back up on their feet. It is then that they need a shepherd to lift them up and "restore their soul." To stay in that position would only lead to death as they would be vulnerable to freezing and possible attacks by other animals.
Hasn't God, our shepherd, done the same thing to us also - He has picked us up and placed us back on our feet over and over again.
Here's the dictionary definition of "restore" – Websters Dictionary – 1) To bring back to a former state; return to a former position; 2) To heal, cure; 3) renew or reestablish after an interruption; 4) To return something lost or taken to the original owner.
Look at how the word "restore" is used in the Bible. The different uses will show you the heart of God in regards to restoration
David – Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12
ESV)
2. “ALLAH” – “bring you up” (as in the restoration of health and hurts)
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have
called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’ (Jeremiah 30:17 ESV)
2 Kings 5:1-14 – Naaman the leper/ 2 Kings 4:18-37 – Shumanite son
3. “SHALAM” – “to restore as in a covenant/ complete/ sound/ be whole”
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and
the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. (Joel 2:25 ESV)
What has been ripped off in your life? God says that I will restore it back to you.
4. “Chayah” – “to revive, keep alive; quicken”
II Ki 8:1-6 - The Shumamite's land is restored
The bottom line is this - God has gone to great lengths to recover what what lost in your life and now we must also extend restoration to those around us. Basically.... We need to be people of restoration also.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12 ESV)
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 ESV)
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