On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:20.

For in God we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.” Acts 17:28.

Have you ever stopped to consider where in your life God was helping you? Has He been there to keep you safe from harm? Has He put within your heart a longing for closeness with Him and you’re not sure why but the need is great? Have you ever been in awe of the beauty of creation and felt thankfulness bubble up in your heart? Have you ever known deep sorrow from the ways of this world that are violent and uncaring?

In our chapter, 2 Chronicles 19, after Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem after the tumultuous events surrounding the death of Ahab, a seer went out to meet him. He asked him if he should have aligned himself with someone who hates the Lord. v. 1-3. He also pointed out that Jehoshaphat set his heart on seeking God. It kind of reminded me of the letters to the churches in Revelation – good points and points needing correction. Jehoshaphat then went on to turn the people back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors, v. 4-11. He didn’t become enraged and put the seer in prison. He continued on loving God.

That got me thinking about our early morning prayer group, about Bible studies, about small groups seeking God. In the company of those who love God we learn so much. We learn that our hearts soar when we share our love for God; and in that love we are lifted up and held in faith. We learn that instead of a physical man, a seer or prophet of God, we have Holy Spirit teaching us, reminding us of what is Good. To examen is to listen for the Holy Spirit working in our lives and in remembering where He has helped us before, to recognize His love and care now. We learn that waiting together for God’s Will is an act of active faith because God has us all in His care and His timing is perfect and we love Him. How can we not follow Him?

Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. v. 7. His Love is Good! I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19.

Help me Lord to examen all the times of my life when You were present with me and to see, too, the times You were there that I failed to know You. Help me know You, Lord. You know me.