Encourage God

Well, I have a bit of a convoluted entry today.  This week KLOVE (a contemporary Christian music station I listen to) has started a "30 Days of Encouragement" challenge.  They are asking us to "Say yes to encouraging someone today."  Okay, I accept that challenge, it's a great idea and I urge my readers here to take up the challenge as well.  Let's do this!

So I said this was a bit convoluted, right.  Well here is the second part to this entry.  Each week in our Sunday church bulletin we get an insert that gives us an uplifting, convicting, and/or encouraging message written by various authors.  This week's message talked about how instead of just bringing our laundry list of needs to the Lord, we should take some time to just sit with Him and love on Him.

Well, here's my thought...what if we spent the next 30 days encouraging God?  (this is by no means an encourage God or encourage people challenge....we can do both).   After reading this short message from Sunday's bulletin I thought about my own "talks" with God....many times I bring my needs, my complaints, my hurts to Him...all that is good, all that is Biblical (okay, maybe not the complaining part), all that is necessary.  But what about just taking time to tell Him I appreciate Him.  I am glad He is in my life.  I like what He is doing.  How about telling God how beautiful a sunset is.  Or that You like the way He ordered your day.  How about mentioning that you think He is wonderful for that way He worked out an impossible situation.  What about saying that He does "good work" in providing for your needs.  Maybe just reminding God that you love Him.  You can see where I'm going with this.

Now, I realize that God doesn't need our encouragement or affirmation...but does that mean He doesn't want it?  Does that mean He doesn't appreciate appreciation?  I don't think so!  So often we get caught up in our "stuff."  Whether it's our own needs, the needs of others, national disasters....and all that is important to bring to Jesus...He asks us to bring our needs to Him.  But we can easily forget to tell God how much we love and appreciate Him.  I know, another way of saying to praise and thank Him...but it's so much more than just that.  It's a acknowledgment of the love our heavenly Father showers on our lives.  It's amazing how the Lord has taken a series of seemingly unrelated messages and tied them together to make His desires known.

And so it is only fitting that I close with this song from Sunday's service.  Again, reinforcing the message of this entry...Appreciate and encourage our beautiful Lord.

Lord, thank You for being You.  I love You.  And I am so glad to be Your child.

Take time to encourage the Lord and others today.  And please, let's all keep those in the path of Hurricane Dorian in prayer.  This storm is devastating.

Psalm 145:1-3  I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your name forever and ever.  Every day I will praise You and extol Your name forever and ever.  Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.