The God Who Leans In / Guest Post by George Smith

May 28th, 2026
by George Smith

One of the great gifts George Smith has given our Pure Encouragement community is his willingness to share the same wisdom he pours into his grandchildren. Through simple letters, reflections, and Scripture-centered encouragements, George reminds us what it looks like to slow down, seek God deeply, and treasure His Word.

What makes George’s writings so meaningful is not just the insight itself, but the heart behind it. These writings come from a man who has walked with Jesus through many seasons of life and desires for the next generation to know the goodness, nearness, and faithfulness of God.

The following reflection began as something George wrote for his grandchildren after reading Psalm 40:1.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

I read this today and wondered, “What does it mean that God ‘inclined’ to me?” Did He lean in a little closer so He could hear better? Did He pay attention just a little bit more?

“Inclined” is the Hebrew word natah, which has several meanings, but mostly is used to mean two things:

“Pitched” (like pitched a tent) or
“Stretched out” (like reaching out your hand).

“But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”
— Exodus 14:16

Natah is the word God used to tell Moses to stretch out his hand with his staff to cause the great plagues in Egypt, or to divide the Red Sea, or when He describes how He stretches out His hand to smite the enemies of Israel.

The incredible power of God was unleashed just a bit, and the whole Red Sea split in half.

So when Psalm 40 says God “inclined” to us, it paints a beautiful picture. God stretches Himself toward us. He reaches toward us. He moves toward us with intention, care, and power.

Think about that for a moment.

The same God who stretched out His hand over the sea…
The same God whose power moved nations…
The same God who commands creation…
Inclines toward us and hears our cry.

He is not distant. He is not distracted. He is not unaware of what we carry.
He hears.

And perhaps even more amazing, He moves toward us with compassion and strength.

What a comfort to know that when we wait on the Lord, we are never waiting alone.

George’s words remind us that studying Scripture is not simply about gaining information. It is about discovering the heart of God and remembering that God is not far off or disconnected from what we’re walking through.

He hears us.
He sees us.
And He moves toward us with love and compassion.

No matter what kind of season we’re in, we can trust that we are never alone in the waiting. God is near, He cares deeply for us, and He is always faithful.

We’re so thankful for voices like George’s that continue to point our community back to the goodness and nearness of God. What a comfort to know we serve the God who leans in.

George Smith holds a B.A. in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Grand Canyon University. He and his wife, Ruth, have been married for 52 years and are blessed with five children who all love and serve the Lord, 19 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Together, they served as missionaries in Mexico and Peru with South America Mission and Wycliffe Bible Translators. After their time on the mission field, George became a high school teacher and coach, leading both football and wrestling teams. Now retired, George and Ruth live in Florida near three of their daughters and their families, continuing to enjoy a life of faith and service.