A Dad's Encouragement

As a dad, like all parents, I have desired and continue to strive to be an expert on each of our four children, now semi-young adults to young adults.

When they come home, or I come home or when I see them for the first time that day or evening, I want to discover how they are doing by observing them. I want to know how they are doing emotionally, relationally, physically, spiritually and how they are doing with their responsibilities. I have learned to notice the expressions on their faces, the focus of their eyes, the descriptive words they use to share about their day, their slouch or determination of their posture. I seek to listen. I seek to ask questions. Sometimes I have a moment with them as we greet and walk by. Other times, we are able to connect with a deeper conversation.

Then I pray and seek to give them what they need from me, their dad.
Do they need encouragement?
Do they need a listening ear?
Do they need a challenging word that gets them moving?
Do they need to be yelled at?
Do they need a hug?
Do they need a companion to go do something?

Where have I learned to be a dad? I have two great dads. My biological dad, Mark Christian Reinertson. And my Creator, my Heavenly Father.

As we are facing this Global Corona Storm, we have been looking at Psalm 46 during our Wed evening Encouragement & Prayer time.
There are at least 6 different characteristics of God in this Psalm. Take some time reading, rereading, and thinking through each characteristic. Which characteristic do you need to lean into today?

Examine your own current state of being. How are you doing emotionally, relationally, physically, spiritually, and stress wise with all your responsibilities?
Wait, ask God to help you see yourself.

Pray, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps 139:23-24

If you read v 19-22 of Ps 139, you will read the relational and spiritual condition of David. His heart and mind are full of confusing emotions toward his enemies and God's enemies. Is it righteous or unrighteous emotions and thoughts? It is challenging to discover the reality of our own heart, mind and soul condition because God made us very complex and wonderful.
What is God helping you see about you? Let's be extremely real with Jesus. Let's listen to what He says about our heart, mind and soul condition.

Then, let's lean into Him in Ps 46 as...
v 1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
v 11 "The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

God - Elohym, The Supreme One
Refuge  
Strength 
Ever-Present 
Almighty God (Warrior God/Host of Heaven's Armies)
God of Jacob (Jacob the schemer, liar, manipulator)

Are you encouraged yet?

Praising God for being an expert on each of us.
Praising God for letting us lean into Him in all of His wonderful characteristics.
Praising God in this Global Corona Storm together,
Pastor Chris