He Restoreth My Soul by Emma E. Sturges

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 9, 1870

"He Restoreth My Soul."

By Emma E. Sturges

These words convey two-fold instruction. They not only teach us that God is a restorer, but that David was a wanderer. The psalmist never attempts to conceal this truth, but continually confesses it. Listen to the humbling acknowledgment and earnest supplication with which he terminates his long psalm of deep and delightful experience: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.” Ps. 119:176.

How forlorn is the condition of a sheep that has wandered from the fold. Its former companions are safe and happy, while it is lonely and miserable. At every step it takes, distance from the fold increases, and dangers thicken around it. Unhappy wanderer! whichever way it turns, new troubles arise. The eye now finds no familiar spot. The ear catches no friendly sound. It gazes around with terror, and many an exertion it makes to get back to the fold. Again and again does the lonely wanderer put forth its utmost effort. It bounds over the plain, but it is as far from home as before. It bounds in an opposite direction. Hither and thither it turns, but finds no certain track. At last, wearied and panting, it sinks down upon the heath to perish; for its strength is gone. The night is approaching; and must this poor, fallen wanderer die? Oh, no! The shepherd has missed one of his flock, and he hastens to find it; and here, at the last extremity of the hapless creature, he discovers it, takes upon his shoulder and carries it back, and with joy restores it to the fold.

The wandering and restoring of the sheep is a striking picture of a backsliding believer. The deceitfulness of his own heart has led him from the right way. The lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the pleasures of the world prove more enticing to his taste. No longer marking the footsteps of the Shepherd, his eye rests upon forbidden pastures. Stealthily he leaves the fold, or else breaks boldly from it. He hears the voice of remonstrance within, but heeds it not.

The coveted pasture tastes sweet at first, and for a brief hour of sunshine he imagines he is happy; but the shades of evening close, and the cloudy night of trouble comes on. Enemies and dangers surround him. He looks about him and begins to feel with terror that he is not within the fold. He wonders at the change he inwardly experiences, his peace of mind is gone, and he is at enmity with himself. Dissatisfaction has taken possession of his breast. He knows not what to do for rest. He hurries from one object to another, and seeks the pleasures of the world with a feverish thirst. He knows he ought to return to the fold, but he has lost sight of the way. Neither heart nor resolution remains to make him search for it with diligence. He has given up secret prayer. He has no pleasure in the Bible. The society of his pious friends he avoids or turns from with disgust. The Holy Sabbath has become a day of weariness or of frivolity. No hatred of sin is felt. His moral sense is well nigh obliterated. Alas! his heart has become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. His feet are caught in the snares of Satan. He has fallen. Poor backslidden wanderer, there is a restorer. “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” The good Shepherd loves his sheep, and suffers none that are his to perish. Anxiously he follows them in all their wanderings. Heed the voice of conscience within. It is the voice of the Restorer striving with you. Heed it, I entreat of you; for it may soon be hushed, and your case will be hopeless.

Yes, blessed be God, there is a Restorer. Surrender yourself to him. Make full and free confession, and he will bring you back to the fold, without upbraiding you for your folly or ingratitude. He assures you of his mercy, and will enable you to say, He restoreth my soul.

Fairfield, Conn.

EMMA E. STURGES.