Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:3 (ESV) He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
How is your soul?
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
“There is a difference between being discouraged, a season of discouragement, and a spirit of discouragement.”
The Down Cast Soul
“You are not how you feel.”
1. Disappointed
Proverbs 13:12(NIV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick...
2. Discouraged
3. Depressed
“There is hope, and you can overcome.”
4. Disoriented “He Restores My Soul…”
“He guides me in paths of righteousness.” A. Positional Righteousness 2 Corinthians 5:21(NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. B. Paths of Righteousness
“For His name sake.” “If you are His, His name is on the line.”
Staying “up” Psalm 16:7–11 (NIV) I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
2. Lead your soul - lead yourself
1 Samuel 30:6(NIV) David strenghtened/encouraged himself in the Lord.
Get into the word.
Speak to your soul.
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Sing out!
“Choose Joy. “
2. Live close to the Good Shepherd
3. Stay in the flock
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) 24 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
