he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3 NIV
God Will Restore You
One of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods has been restored over the past few decades. According to the avenuecalgary.ca website, “Calgarians are certainly not starved for choice when asked to name a favourite new community — which is why it was somewhat ironic that when we did ask Avenue readers to name their favourite new community the most popular answer was actually one of the city’s oldest communities: Bridgeland. Walk past the Insta-worthy sign spelling out the neighbourhood’s name and you’ll find yourself in a hub of multi-family residential buildings all erected within the last two decades, some still under construction.”
***
I remember back in the 1970s and 80s the planning movement known as urban renewal. Generally, it meant tearing down older buildings and putting up what was then considered modern. Many cities are now having to deal with aging eyesores. Thankfully, there is a move towards restoring old buildings instead of tearing them down. In a spiritual sense, this is what God does for us. King David understood this and wrote in the beloved 23rd Psalm, verse 3: “he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Our God is the soul restorer. When we are feeling overwhelmed with life, when we are spiritually exhausted, God is willing to give us all we need for fresh vision and fresh vigour. We just have to ask Him. The Psalmist speaks of lying down in green pastures and being led to still waters. What a beautiful picture of the work of the Holy Spirit in all who love Jesus. Invite Him to do so today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley