When a hurricane knocked out the power for three days, God used the darkness to teach me what Psalm 23:3 really means. Here's what I learned about soul renewal in the hard places.

"The power's been out for three days, and I'm over it."

Those were the words of a text I sent to a friend. And I wasn't kidding. When Hurricane Isaias blew through South Alabama last weekend, our power went out. We had no significant damage. Just a few limbs down in the yard. I thought the power would come right back on. But it didn't. In my limited view, I didn't understand why. But the why didn't matter. We had to figure out how to keep going.

I've grown accustomed to air conditioning, coffee makers, and hot food. And when night settled in, we weren't used to such complete darkness. So we pulled out the camp stove and the candles, and we thanked God for a cool night under the stars. During those quiet moments of disconnection from Wi-Fi, we discovered a new connection with friends and family who offered to help. But there was more God wanted me to learn.

My Plan, My Expectations

Two weeks ago, when I started this verse-by-verse journey through Psalm 23, I couldn't have known that these lessons would be so real. The Good Shepherd is present with me; therefore, I lack nothing. He provides above and beyond all that I could ever need. And this week, during a forced stop from my busy life, I learned what it means for him to renew my soul.

You see, I love for things to be just right. I enjoy cruising along the road of life and avoiding all the bumps and potholes. I like to travel the easy path and enjoy smooth sailing. You get the idea. Insert your own metaphor. In other words, I don't like it when things don't go according to my plan or live up to my expectations. But therein lies the problem. It's my plan. My expectations. And I don't think I'm alone.

What David Learned in the Cave

David understood what it meant when life didn't go according to plan. He'd been anointed king years before he actually held the position. He lived those years of suspension running for his life, fighting enemies he thought were friends, and hiding out in caves. I'm sure he questioned God's timing. Much like I do. But there was no mistake. God used that time in the waiting to train David's heart to trust him alone. To form the heart of a king. And that's the part I sometimes miss.

I can just see David huddled by a candle deep inside a cave with his warriors, reminiscing about the easy days of being a shepherd. When he walked freely under the sun, guiding the sheep to bountiful grazing land. Then in the stillness of that dark cave, God's voice spoke to David's heart: "I am your Shepherd." All those memories of tending, protecting, and pursuing filled his mind as he penned what we know as Psalm 23.

And as much as David wanted to go back to the "good ole days," he couldn't. God's path was leading him forward through the struggle. He needed to figure out a way to keep going. In David's experience, the shepherd leads the sheep through fields of plenty, but sometimes, the terrain changes. The sheep wander. That's where we pick up with Psalm 23:3: "He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."

Well-Worn Path

Just like those wandering, wayward sheep, I find myself alone, stuck in a soul-sucking muddy pit. And when I've lost my way, when I've fallen in unexpected places, my Shepherd pulls me out of the muck and washes me clean. The Hebrew word used here means renews, restores, or turns back.

But he doesn't just set me on the same path again and let me fend for myself. Nor does he bring back the way things used to be. My Shepherd changes me. And he doesn't leave me alone. He guides me on toward right living. The Shepherd walks with me. But this path is well-worn. It's the journey God's faithful people have traveled for generations. People like Abraham and Sarah, Rahab and David, and the countless, nameless men and women who gave their lives in the journey of faith.

So why do I go to such lengths to avoid hardship? Why do I long for the easy life when it's in the hard places that God is most real to me? It's human nature to avoid pain, but sometimes, those painful places teach me to rely on God alone. As he did with David, God is shaping my heart. He's trimming away all the pride and self-reliance and replacing them with humility and dependence. He's teaching me that he's in control and I don't have to worry about the next step. If I'll just keep going, even in the hard places, I'll come out on the other side different. Better for the experience.

Changed by Degrees

Sometimes the challenges I face are bigger than a three-day power outage. I've been through enough loss to know there's nothing simple about God's plan. I still have so many questions. But if I pay attention, if I'm aware of God's presence in the daylight, I'll recognize him in the night, too. And I'll have reason to lift up his name. To praise him. To thank him. I'll remember his power in my deepest need and recognize that I can't live this life without my Shepherd.

When the power came back on, I didn't keep using the camp stove. I'm not still sitting in the dark. Instead, I see the conveniences I once took for granted with new eyes. I'm more thankful. More aware of their presence. And in that small way, I'm changed. Incrementally different. But that's the point.

What hard place has God used to change you? Share it in the comments. Your story might be the light someone else needs tonight.

Next week we step into the valley of the shadow with Psalm 23:4. Join my email list so you don't miss it.