The Shepherd and His Names: Finding God in Psalm 23Sýnishorn

Jehovah-Rophe - “He Restores My Soul” (Psalm 23:3a).

Restore my soul

Jehovah-Rophe, meaning "The Lord Who Heals," reminds us of God’s ability to revive us when life feels overwhelming. Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul,” and that beautifully captures God’s role as the healer of our spirits—bringing life and strength back to us when we feel worn down or defeated.

The word “restores” in Hebrew carries the idea of reviving or bringing life back, and “soul” refers to our life or inner being. Together, this paints a picture of God lovingly refreshing us from the inside out.

Think about the relationship between a shepherd and their sheep. When a sheep is “cast down”—helplessly lying on its back—it’s the shepherd who gently intervenes. The shepherd massages their legs, helps them stand, and makes sure they return safely to the flock. Isn’t that a comforting image? God does the same for us when we feel spiritually stuck or weighed down by life’s challenges.

We see this restorative care throughout Scripture. In Exodus 15, God heals the bitter waters at Marah and tells the Israelites, “I am the Lord who heals you.” Or think of Elijah after his intense confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Exhausted and discouraged, Elijah is cared for by God, who provides rest, food, and water, listens to him, and gives him renewed purpose.

Restoration often starts with basic things—like getting enough rest, nourishing your body, and staying hydrated—but true healing comes through connecting with God. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.” Spending time in Scripture and prayer offers deep healing for our hearts. It’s in these moments with God that we find the strength to face life’s challenges.

Sometimes, the real problem isn’t the challenges we face but our tendency to rely on our own strength instead of turning to God. When we’re “cast down,” our Good Shepherd finds us, lifts us up, and helps us move forward.

In the end, Jehovah-Rophe is our healer, our restorer, and our guide. He brings us back when we feel lost, strengthens us when we’re weak, and lovingly leads us back to a place of renewal. True restoration doesn’t come from distractions or quick fixes but from trusting God and leaning into His care. As His sheep, we can rest knowing He will take us from weariness to vitality, from despair to hope.