May Newsletter, 2026
Sitting alone on a lake-front in Northern Ontario I listened to a distant loon calling out in the late evening. The wood fire crackled and a gentle breeze moved the water softly against the shore. Hours passed and the world seemed to stand still. All the tensions of my day drained away and I was reminded of a new perspective.
In reflection I recalled that the three most restful sounds known to man are the sound of wind, water and fire. And, all of them had combined to soothe and restore my mind, will and emotions; the three elements of the human soul, as theologians describe it. Being triune beings, the spirit and body are defined, but our soul is slightly more complex. When King David wrote, “he restores my soul”
he said a mouthful. Interestingly, he prefaced his statement with the fact that the Lord, “makes me lie down in green pastures,” and “leads me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2-3) Could it be that Nature itself is used by the Almighty to help, heal and restore us?
When I think of the restoration process and how God through His word repeats this thought, I’m reminded that it is His divine purpose. He wants us restored. Why else would He repeat this truth so often? He wants to restore us…our minds, our wills, our emotions! The restoration process is: “the act or process of returning something to its original, former, or unimpaired condition. It involves repairing, renewing, or re-establishing a subject to a previous state of good health, function or appearance.” Is that why Paul wrote the church in Corinth and said, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation…”? (II Corinthians 5:17) This describes the complete spiritual transformation and restoration a person experiences when they place their faith in Christ Jesus.
The promise is that HE RESTORES MY SOUL. I need that! I need my mind restored. I need my will restored. I need my emotions restored. How about you? Here are just a few verses to help.
OUR MIND…
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
OUR WILL…
“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42
“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8
OUR EMOTIONS…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…so you may abound in hope…” Romans 15:13
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted… Psalm 34:18
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” Psalm 51:12
Now, back to the lake, the loon, the fire… and the water lapping gently on the shore.
*****
One last thing!
The podcasts on Spotify are reaching a huge audience and we are so humbled and thankful. If you haven’t checked it out, it’s easy and free. Just download the Spotify app from your Play Store and then type:
Rick McPherson RESTORATION
Improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness
Thank you, sincerely, for your ongoing prayers and financial support for this ministry.