He Refreshes My Soul and Guides Me on the Right Path When Life Feels Overwhelming
- Frank Wible
- Sep 6
- 2 min read
Tyler lived with constant pressure. Between long hours at work, endless bills, and the unspoken weight of being “the strong one” for his family, he rarely rested. Even when he sat down, his mind ran at full speed, chasing deadlines and worries.
Sleep offered little escape. He often woke at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling, replaying problems that had no solutions. The more he tried to control life, the more drained he became. His soul felt bone-dry.
One Sunday morning, his pastor read from Psalm 23: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Tyler closed his eyes and let the words sink in. He realized he had been living in chaos while ignoring the One who offered peace.
That afternoon, instead of burying himself in work, he took a walk by a nearby lake. The breeze brushed against his face, and the water rippled softly. For the first time in a long time, he whispered, “Lord, I need You to refresh my soul.”
Something shifted in that quiet place. Tyler did not hear an audible voice, but he sensed God’s presence. The restlessness in his chest eased, replaced by peace that did not make sense.
The next week, Tyler began making small changes. He carved out ten minutes each morning to sit with Scripture and pray. Those moments became his “quiet waters,” where God restored him before the day’s noise began.
At first, it felt strange to slow down. Guilt nagged him, telling him he should be working. But over time, he realized his work became more focused and his attitude more patient when he started with God.
His wife noticed the difference. “You seem calmer,” she said one evening. Tyler smiled, grateful that peace was showing through his life.
He shared his journey with a men’s Bible study, admitting how drained he had been. Several men nodded, confessing they too felt worn thin by life’s demands. Together, they committed to seeking rest in God rather than burning themselves out.
Tyler discovered that refreshment was not found in distractions or vacations alone. True refreshment came from time with the Shepherd. It was His presence that renewed him, not just an escape from responsibility.
Over time, Tyler saw that God’s guidance was just as real as His refreshment. When decisions loomed, he prayed and sensed clarity. The Shepherd not only refreshed his soul but led him on the right paths.
Looking back, Tyler realized how close he had come to burnout. But God had pulled him back to the still waters of His presence.
He now tells other men, “If your soul feels dry, stop running. Let the Shepherd lead you. He will refresh your soul and guide your steps.”
His scars from stress remain, but now they remind him of God’s faithfulness. He no longer fears exhaustion, because he knows where to find rest.
Psalm 23:2-3 remains his anchor. Whenever life presses in, Tyler repeats the words: He refreshes my soul. He guides me on the right path for his name’s sake.
Where do you most need God to refresh your soul?
At work under pressure
In my family responsibilities
In my private battles
In my faith walk