This week is the last post of three looking at the narrative of life as a three-part play. Those acts being the Fall, Redemption, and Restoration of mankind. The previous week’s posts used the songs ‘Pain’ and ‘Novocaine’ to respectively reflect upon the Fall and Redemption of mankind. This week we look at the song, ‘Hello Hooray‘ from the album, ‘Billion Dollar Babies‘, released in 1973. A song originally written by Rolf Kempf and performed by Judy Collins on her album, ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’, released in 1968 (Thanks Steven Crayn!). The Alice Cooper Band takes this song and makes it their own. A Top 10 hit in various parts of the world, the Alice Cooper Band’s version has a somewhat dark, mysterious feeling attached to it, yet it also leaves you with a feeling of fanfare and uplifts the soul with its brilliance. The lyrics and composition do a great job of building anticipation…leaving the listener waiting, wondering, and wanting more.

With regards to the narrative of life, we find this song picking up where Redemption left off. Restoration brings with it that same feeling. That ‘Hello! Hooray!…I’ve been ready’ vibe that can be felt after His grace and mercy free us – leaving us as new, redeemed creations. It’s as if one has been waiting – ‘waiting so long’ to be relieved of the guilt, shame, pain, etc. of this world. Only to find themselves instead living for the present, ‘loving every second, every moment’ of this new journey. The journey He has placed them on. It’s a complete source of motivation, desire, strength, devotion, etc. Leaving one to declare, ‘God, I feel so strong!’ (1 Peter 5:10)

Before this post goes much deeper, we have to examine something. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s paramount to know this one truth. Restoration cannot be achieved without Redemption. We were designed to make a choice. We were designed to freely live or freely die. But how Awesome and incredibly loving is our Father to allow us that chance? The chance to choose a better way. A road paved with love, acceptance, and grace instead of the contrary. A road we must seek and accept before we can receive (Matthew 6:33).

Restoration is the most beautiful part of a person’s walk with our Lord. It’s the part of the journey where growth takes place. A person essentially begins peeling off layers of themselves restoring those layers with His Spirit. Fruit that was bruised or rotten is replaced by ripe, healthy, nutritious fruit. Fruit for the soul. The fruit of His Spirit. (Matthew 12:33, Galatians 5:22-23). Restoration is a never-ending process. One that will last the rest of your lifetime. But it’s a beautiful thing. Something that continues to lead you in new places. Places you never dreamed you could go or were worthy of going. In many ways, it’s a complete shift of all you’ve ever known or felt. A completely new perspective on life. His perspective. Guiding and leading you into His plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

There are so many places and examples that lead to restoration in His Word. It’s sort of difficult to narrow it down. With literally hundreds of verses, people, and stories to choose from, it seems best to start with familiarity. Most folks that have some experience with the Word know Psalms 23 (MSG) which reads:

^1-3 God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
⁴ Even when the way goes through
Death Valley.
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head (restore my soul);
my cup brims with blessing.
⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.

Purposely using ‘The Message’ version of the Bible, we find a modern-day interpretation of this chapter. The chapter depicts our Lord as the Good Shepherd. A shepherd willing to chase after his lost sheep (Matthew 18:12). We aren’t intended to be frightened, passive little sheep, but instead obedient, trusting followers. Sheep learn that their shepherd is the one that leads them to safety, feeds them, and restores them. David, being a Shepherd, was able to relate to this scenario. He knew what those sheep expected him to be and he had experienced firsthand what the Lord had done for him as well. It was easy for him to see things through the eyes of them. Needing to be led by our Lord, he was able to express that through the Psalms. Not just this chapter but throughout the entire book.

We’ve spoken about David and his struggles before. Not necessarily because they mirror our own, but because he does a wonderful job illustrating what walking in faith looks like. David knew where his hope and restoration was found – in the promises of God. In Hebrews 11, the author lists examples of those that were restored and lived lives of faith, David being one of them. Some were very unlikely heroes: noblemen, noblewomen, shepherds, farmers, oracles, judges, kings, and a prostitute are listed and serve as a reminder that all walks of life are welcome into His fold. These people were not perfect – nor were their lives. Their actions led them to joy, consequence, sorrow, victory, etc., yet they learned that in all things they should rely on Him to restore them in their times of need, rest, and labor.

Shifting back to Psalms, this book does a fabulous job of painting what our lives walked with Him will look like. A never-ending journey of both peaks and valleys. As you travel them, you’ll begin to notice His fingerprints in your past, but also begin recognizing them in your present as well. Stop and think about the events in your life for a moment. Think about the joyous occasions and also think about some not so joyous times. When we’ve accepted Redemption and fully believe in His Restoration. We find that all occasions start to carry the same weight so to speak. Not that we rejoice in the difficulties or pains of our journey, but we know that His Word and path leads to life. A desiccated forest finds new trees and vegetation after a wildfire. Broken bones heal. Our tears of sorrow can lead and grow into a harvest of joy. We find His meaning and purpose in all things – not just the obvious ones. Patience is the key. Restoration is a process NOT an overnight sensation. It may even seem frustrating at times – David cried out often for clarity and guidance. But as you walk further and further, His path becomes more and more evident. It’s amazing to watch it unfurl.

Let’s wrap up this post with some things that Restoration through Him is and some things it is not. Restoration is and brings: A new way of thinking (Romans 12:2), A replacement of what was stolen (Deuteronomy 30:3-13), Miracles (Luke 18:27), Faith that your needs will be met (Joel 2:24-26), Joy (Philippians 4:4-5), His Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), Humility (Colossians 3:12), and so much more. What it does NOT bring is: Perfection (Ecclesiastes 7:20), Pride (James 4:6), Selfish desires (2 Corinthians 10:24), Division (Romans 16:17-18), and any other attribute which lifts oneself above God or any other man/woman. Restoration in its simplest form is the replacement of God’s qualities and attributes to a person that has chosen Him. Simply put, a redeemed soul living life, as best they can, according to Him and His Word.

In conclusion, where are you in life’s narrative? Are you trapped in the Fall and ‘Pain’ of it all? What form of ‘Novocaine’ are you using to numb things – His or the world’s? Have you been redeemed? Have you felt the touch of His hands – leaving behind that fire that burns within and soothes the soul? These questions are the deeper ones we ask ourselves in life. Sometimes the answers are tough. Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate through the reasoning behind our purpose and the life events we’ve endured. But rest assured, there is a definite purpose. His Ways. His Truth. Those are everlasting and resolute. When they are consistently applied things work out, 100 percent of the time. His principles and promises are real. They are freely given to those that ask. They are yours to receive. Isn’t it time to fulfill your life’s purpose? Isn’t it time to be restored? Renewed by Him. Your life holds so much potential and meaning. More than you can ever know or comprehend. It’s a matter of accepting, walking, and living out His Word and will for your life. You’ll never truly know what your life holds until you allow Him to become your Rock. Your Redeemer. Your Shepherd. Your Resting place. Lay aside the old, damaged soul. Accepting instead a new, restored one. One alive with His Love. His Light. His Spirit. ‘Hello Hooray, Let the show begin’, You’re ‘ready’.