Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Aside from the ways in which the thought in this verse is expressed in the translations noted in the question, other versions of Scripture render it as, "He renews my strength," and "He gives me new strength."

Every human grows tired and in need of rest or reinvigoration (physically, mentally, emotionally, or all of those) at times. In such a state, they are weakened, and are functioning at less than desired or maximum capability (in addition to perhaps being more vulnerable to sin or temptation). David is saying that, at such times, God (a source of infinite strength who never tires or grows weary) gives him new or added power in those respects in order to be able to deal with whatever challenges may be confronting him.

March 14 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Likewise with sheep, so with Christians, some essential standards apply which will assist us with grasping how a man or lady can be "cast." 

There is, above all else, the thought for searching for a weakness. The sheep that pick the agreeable, delicate, adjusted hollows in the ground in which to rest/cast all the time become thrown/cast (Ps 42:5, 11). In such a circumstance it is so natural to turn over on their backs. 

In the Christian life, there is a risk in continually searching for the simple spot, the comfortable corner, the agreeable position where there is no difficulty, no requirement for perseverance, no interest in self-control (self-discipline).

Here and there if, through guilty pleasure, I am reluctant to relinquish or forego the delicate life, the easy way, the comfortable corner, at that point the Good Shepherd may well move me to a field where things aren't exactly so agreeable - to my benefit, yet additionally His advantage also. 

There is the viewpoint, as well, of a sheep having a lot of fleece. Frequently when the downy wool turns out to be extremely long, and vigorously tangled with mud, excrement, burrs, and different debris, it is a lot simpler for a sheep to become thrown/cast, truly overloaded with its fleece... Here is the place I discover the persistent gathering of things, of assets, of worldly thoughts starting to burden me, drag me down, hold me down. It is noteworthy that no esteemed minister was ever permitted to wear fleece when he entered the Holy of Holies.

June 14 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How does God refresh our souls (Psalm 23:3)?

My life he restoreth, He guideth me in right paths for the sake of his Name. --Rotherham Bible

Psalm 23:1-6. Psalm 23 is a song that expresses confidence in God's love and tender care. David, the author of this psalm, describes the strong bond between him and his Shepherd, Jehovah. David felt safe letting Jehovah direct him, and he was totally dependent on Him. David knew that God's love would pursue him all the days of his life.

God refreshes and restores our souls by providing rest, guidance, and spiritual nourishment to heal us from the weariness, stress, sin, and emotional turmoil of life. This is often depicted in the imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep.

God, as the Shepherd, makes us "lie down in green pastures" and leads us "beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23:2). This highlights the need for physical, mental, and emotional rest from the constant demands and anxieties of a busy world. This peace comes from surrendering our worries to Him and trusting in His care.

At times, David felt distressed by all the problems and trials he faced. (Ps. 18:4-6) Yet, God's tender love and care refreshed him. Jehovah led his exhausted friend to "grassy pastures" and "well-watered resting-places." As a result, David recovered his strength and kept going.​—Ps. 18:28-32.

(Psalm 23:2, 3) A flock lying down peacefully in the midst of abundance​—David here paints a scene of contentment, refreshment, and security. The Hebrew Word rendered "pastures" can mean "pleasant place." Likely, on their own, the sheep would not find a refreshing spot to lie down in peace. Their Shepherd must lead them to such a "pleasant place."

(Psalm 23:3) When we are weary, in trouble, discouraged, or facing severe opposition, God refreshes us by means of His Word. Hence, it is good for Christians to make it a practice to read a portion of the Bible every day. Do you do this? Some find it helpful to memorise specific texts, such as Exodus 34:6-7 or Proverbs 3:5-6. Why is this beneficial? Well, if a crisis should occur and you do not have a Bible handy, comforting Scriptural thoughts can immediately strengthen you. God's Word can cause "the heart to rejoice" and make "the eyes shine"!​—Psalm 19:7-10.

When we are weary, discouraged, or facing opposition, God renews our strength and fills us with new hope and vitality, giving us the resilience to persevere through challenges.

God's actions in restoring the soul are for "His name's sake", demonstrating His character as a faithful and loving Shepherd to the world through the transformed lives of His people.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report