Have you ever stopped to ask God how He is doing? For some, this may seem like a bizarre idea. However, during my prayer time, I found myself asking God if He was okay. Honestly, I probably should have asked a long time ago. I realized that more often than not, during my intimate prayer time, I speak with God about all sorts of things. I praise Him, thank him, intercede for others, seek his wisdom, and even beg. But I never stopped to ask Him how He feels. 

I thought about this more in-depth this morning after a conversation I had yesterday. I often have the privilege of having an almost daily conversation with a sensible woman. In our discussion about my downcast mood, she encouraged me with the understanding that I already had, but that understanding hadn’t changed the way I felt. In the end, my words to her were that sometimes I have moments where even though I have hope in God, I’m just not okay. That I sometimes need others to encourage me. See, sometimes the people around us can think that we have it so together that they forget that even the strongest of people are still weak. That even those who delight in encouraging others, who pour into others, can need pouring back into. My friend refreshed me yesterday, and for that, I am grateful. Not only did she encourage my spirit, but she also inspired in me a new thought.

Why did I not think before about what encourages or discourages God? Prayer is a conversation, a dialogue. Why, in my daily conversation with God, have I never asked how he was? Imagine having a conversation; the person is going on and on about their life but never ask about yours. Wouldn’t you see that person as self-centered or selfish?

Spend time today asking God how your moment-by-moment thoughts and choices make Him feel? How does He feel about the circumstances you see? Then make time to encourage those around you that seem like they have it together; they need it.