BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 10) THE SHEPHERDING FATHER IS A RESTORER.

Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd is a restorer of the soul. David experienced this when he confessed in Psalm 23:2, "He restoreth my soul."

Within a 24 hour period, our physical body needs to be restored with food and approximately eight hours of sleep. In the same way, our spirits and souls need daily restoration. As fathers, we need to teach our children the necessity of soul and spirit restoration. Most fathers instinctively know when it's time for their little children need sleep or food, but how many realize that it is just as necessary to do whatever is needed to restore their souls? Individually, and as families, we must do whatever it takes for daily restoration.

Although we ensure our children receive enough food and rest, only God can feed and restore the inner man. But, even in this we fathers have a part to play. We must teach our children by example and instruction what it means to wait upon the lord. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint."

We must encourage our children to wait upon God in their own personal devotions as well as being part of corporate family devotions. Otherwise, their bodies may be strong, but their spirits and souls will be weak and shriveled up.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell