February 20, 2012

Back to Blackaby.

I will be returning back to the Blackaby book, Experiencing God Day-by-Day, Devotional and Journal.  While I will still keep up with the weekly Sunday School lessons, I found those daily lessons more of an intellectual pursuit as opposed to a springboard for prayer, meditation and life-change.

Psalm 23:3  What a difference an updated translation can make!  I am using the 2011 update of the New International Version for this blog's scripture links.  Today's verse reads:  ". . .he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along right paths for his name's sake."  (Note lack of capitalization of God pronouns.)

I prefer the verbiage used in the earlier version of the NIV which is the translation Blackaby uses.  "He restores my soul.  He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake."

"Why?" you ask.

First, it bothers me when a writer fails to capitalize any pronoun that refers to God.  It just seems irreverent.  Perhaps I am old-school.  I still believe kids should not run in church and "church clothes" are not a bad idea.

Second,and most importantly, in this particular passage, the original NIV choice of "restores" as opposed the the 2011 "refreshes" more correctly reflects how God has worked (and still does) in my life.

"Refreshes" brings to mind a short break on a hot hike.  It speaks of a cold drink of water as I mow the lawn.  "Coca-cola, the pause that refreshes."  Nothing wrong with being refreshed, but far from the capabilities of the Holy Spirit.

"Restores".  That's the ticket.  When I think of restoration I pictures a frame-off, down-to-the-bare-metal classic car restoration.  In such a restoration the body is taken off the frame for body work, all bumpers are rechromed, rubber window gaskets are replaced and it leaves the shop as good or better than original.  That is the soul restoration offered by God to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

When I cannot face one more meeting or new initiative at work- He restores.  When a family member turns his back on the family- He restores.  When the thought of getting out of bed is overwhelming- He restores.  When financial obligations appear insurmountable- He restores.

Grab on to Psalm 23:3.  Pray it.  Expect it.  Cry out for soul restoration.  He is faithful and just.  He will provide.