He Restoreth My Soul

Psalm 23:3 "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

This verse is especially true to my heart right now. I am seeing the Lord at work in my life more now than ever. I'm on an upward climb. I am so unworthy of this work in my life, but He is so gracious to me in doing this work! I keep pouring out my heart in gratitude to Him who is not letting me go, is not leaving me alone.

Why would God choose to work in a life such as mine? When there are so many people around me who are falling away from the Lord, why does He choose not only to keep me from falling away, but also to draw me ever close to Himself? There is nothing in me that merits such favor! But that is God's incredible grace!

God is restoring my soul. He is working to perfect my mind, will, and emotions.

My mind, by enabling me first to think joy and peace filled thoughts, instead of complain when things don't go quite as I think they ought. He is enabling me to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." This has been such a struggle for me, but God is not letting go. He continues to pry, and peel my flesh away layer by layer, as a person would peel an onion.

My will, as He continues to show me that what I desire for my life in the flesh is completely different than His plans for me. He has finally brought me to a place where I can fully rest in His perfect plan. Even so much so that I can be joyful when plans are disrupted, like with my flight to Ohio on 3-13-15. Flight was delayed by about 2 1/2 hours, for various technical reasons. But instead of complaining, I found that my first thoughts were those of joy and peace, knowing that God was in control of the whole situation. I didn't worry even once, or even think to complain. I know that is all God's work in my heart. This has greatly been influenced by studying the journey of the children of Israel, and seeing how often God punished them for complaining. I am to just "follow the Cloud" wherever it leads. I should not move unless It is moving. God will direct me in His timing. Meanwhile I am to submit myself to Him, and follow His will on how life is supposed to be lived. This has also been greatly influenced in my life by the lives of George Muller and Nick Vujicic. Both of them purposed to find joy in their situations, and to lean fully on God. This is what I now truly desire in my heart.

My emotions, why not fully under control, are more controlled than in times past. I am rarely given to the emotion of anger. And when those emotions would be stirred within me, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that "A soft answer turneth away wrath." The times that gentle reminder of the Holy Spirit has saved me from speaking harsh words are more than can be numbered. This is still an area to be refined and perfected in my life, but God is doing a marvelous work in me.

Yes, truly. He has and is in the process of restoring my soul. My heart continues to ask, "Why me, Lord?"

"Why, you ask? For My Name's sake." This is His loving, gracious, and gentle reply. He does not do it for me. He knows how unworthy I am of such love. He does it for Himself. So that He can obtain glory from my life. This is why I am here. To bring glory to a wonderful and mighty God, whose Name is to be praised above all other names.

All glory be to my Shepherd who lovingly restores my soul, and who leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake!
I pray this was a blessing to you. God bless you, my brother and my sister!

Because of Jesus' Blood,
Faith Christine
Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10