Episode 5: God as Shepherd and Restorer

Eric Marquette

Okay! We are on the final episode of this podcast devotional from The Devotion Network. This is 'Deeper Still,' and our series ending today is 'Restore My Soul.'. What a deep well of encouragement, clarity, and hope to know we are not alone and there is a promise of being constantly refreshed when life gets tough and draining. Okay, let's dive in! Oh, and by the way, there are tons more resources and materials on our website to give even more context to this topic, so stop on over and take a look. You can also re-listen to this 'shortcast,' as we call it—roughly less than 12 minutes? is the goal? Yeah—whenever you need to! It's always available—24/7...www.thedevotionnetwork.com. Cool, ok, let's get to it!

Eric Marquette

Psalm 23:3 begins with these simple yet profound words: “He restores my soul.” And I think, as we reflect on that image of restoration, what we see is this active, loving care that God provides. It’s not a passive thing. It’s more like a shepherd tending to his flock, constantly aware of what the sheep need to thrive, you know?

Eric Marquette

And when we talk about restoration here, it’s not just about taking a day off or getting a decent night’s sleep—though those things totally matter. But it’s deeper than that. It’s renewal. It’s healing. It’s a kind of refreshing that, honestly, only God can provide. That’s what stood out to me in this verse. God doesn’t just patch us up or get us through. He actually restores us to wholeness.

Eric Marquette

And when we think about today, I mean, so many of us are running on empty, right? We’re juggling work, family, endless to-do lists. Spiritual exhaustion—it’s real. And here comes this promise: God, as our Shepherd, steps into that chaos and says, “Let me renew you.” It’s—it’s such a comforting image, isn’t it?

Eric Marquette

Now, the verse doesn’t stop at restoring the soul. It goes on, “He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” And that part really hits home for me, because God’s guidance isn’t just about showing up when things get tough. It’s purposeful and constant. It realigns us, giving life clarity and direction in, honestly, the most uncertain times.

Eric Marquette

I remember a few years back, I was in this place where I had to make a big career decision. I’d been praying, struggling to figure out what the right move was, and honestly, I felt stuck. I was caught up in all the pros and cons, and it was exhausting. But then I remember just pausing and asking God to guide me, you know, lead me where I needed to be. And—and not long after, the right path seemed so much clearer. It wasn’t necessarily easier, let me tell you, but the peace I felt with the decision? That was everything.

Eric Marquette

And here’s what I take from that: When we lean on God’s guidance, we don’t just step into His plans for us. We also gain strength—new strength—to move forward confidently.

Eric Marquette

So, let’s talk about soul care in our day-to-day lives. Because, you know, it can seem overwhelming, right? But it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, all it takes is finding a moment—a small window in the day—to reconnect with God. Dedicating just 10, maybe 15 minutes for quiet prayer or reading Scripture can do wonders. And if you’re thinking, “I don’t even have that kind of time,” trust me, I get it. But carving out those few minutes? It’s worth it. Let it be first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee, or maybe when your day is winding down. Whatever works for your rhythm, start there.

Eric Marquette

Now, beyond that, there’s something so restorative about finding practices that truly refuel you. For some, it’s journaling—just pouring out your thoughts and letting God meet you in that space. For others, it’s stepping outdoors. Have you ever noticed how being in nature can quiet your mind? It’s—it’s like a reset, and it kind of pulls you back to what really matters. And the important thing is to make it yours. Ask yourself, “What really helps me feel at peace? What reconnects me to God’s presence?” Then lean into that.

Eric Marquette

And here’s something else—sometimes, what we really need is guidance. You know, those moments when we’re faced with decisions, big or small, and we’re caught in this loop of “What should I do?” That’s where God’s role as our Shepherd becomes so significant. Think about Joseph in the Bible. He relied on prayer and the dreams God gave him to navigate, honestly, some incredibly challenging situations. And we can do the same—pause, pray, and ask for God’s direction. It’s amazing how that intentional moment can shift everything, bringing clarity where there was uncertainty.

Eric Marquette

When we talk about restoration, it’s not just this one-and-done event. It’s—it’s this continuous invitation from God, you know? Like an open door, always there, where He’s saying, “Come back to Me. Find your peace here daily.” And I think, especially when we feel drained or overwhelmed, that’s the kind of grace we all need to hold onto. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about returning to Him over and over again.

Eric Marquette

And what’s so beautiful about caring for our souls, I think, is how it reflects God’s goodness to others. It’s like, when people see that restoration in you, that peace you carry, they notice. It’s—almost like a—a ripple effect. Maybe it’s in how you speak, or how you handle stress, or even just the kindness you show. Those small moments? They can be such powerful testimonies of God’s transformative work in your life.

Eric Marquette

I remember someone once asking me how I stay so calm—now trust me, I am far from calm all the time, but it made me think—when we’re rooted in God’s restoration, it shows. It flows out into how we live. And honestly, that can be such an encouragement to others who might be searching for the same kind of peace.

Eric Marquette

But what really hits me is knowing that all of this—our restoration, the way we reflect His goodness—it all points back to God’s ultimate purpose: to glorify His name. It’s such a humbling thought, that He restores us not only for our benefit but also to draw others closer to Him. And as He guides us along the right paths, He’s inviting others to see His grace and step into their own journey with Him.

Eric Marquette

So, as we bring this to a close, here’s the encouragement I want to leave you with: God is actively at work in your life. Even in the hardest, most exhausting moments, He’s guiding, renewing, and restoring you—because that’s who He is. Our Shepherd, our Restorer. And when we trust in that, when we lean into His restoration daily, we’re stepping into the peace and purpose He’s called us to.

Eric Marquette

And that’s all for today. Thanks so much for joining me on this series. It’s been a privilege to share this time with you. Until next time, take care—and let God restore your soul each and every day.