Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th-century monk and founder the Jesuits left us with a method of reflecting on a day, week, month, or year known as examen, a way of listening to and discerning God’s presence in our lives. It invites us to slow down and pay attention. Examen is a practice between you and God, done in silence.
Thank you to my friend, Theresa Thaete who broke from her silence to encourage us. Although she doesn’t refer to examen, as she meditated on Isaiah 9:6, she was experiencing it.
2010 was a year of intense dread and sadness. Usually I eagerly anticipated Advent and Christmas; I loved putting up our tree and watching the faces of loved ones opening the gifts I had so carefully chosen. Not that year.
One of our sons was acting out and seeking to fill the pain in his life with all the things that teens do. I never knew what to expect, every day a new challenge.
I’d often run to the phone exasperated interrupting my husband at work seeking his wisdom. Or dialing a friend, a safe person, to ask for prayer … or just plain vent.
At times I even chose to leave my home not feeling safe in the same house with him.
On one of those occasions, running in fear, I cried again to the Lord; probably for the millionth time. My feeling of guilt (a gift from God) was real. I kind of knew I needed to be running to God first, not my husband and friends.
God graciously brought Isaiah 9:6 to mind. (I bet you too have been seeing this verse a lot during the Christmas season.)
Immediately these four awesome titles that God alone bears began to speak to my heart. I repented and my eyes turned from my circumstances and focused on God.
Eagerly and a bit hesitantly I leaned into my Good Shepherd, I listened for His love. The experience of relief was almost physical.
I marveled as God showed up as my Wonderful Counselor over and over. He provided clarity of thought and direction. I noticed I was growing in trust as I reached less for my cell phone. Sometimes I even heard specific words in response to the hard of my life.
I experienced the opening and closing of seemingly locked tight doors; my Mighty God assuring me of His perfect timing and sovereignty.
As my Everlasting Father, I was touched by many expressions of His love and tenderness. He knew what would speak uniquely to my heart. Sometimes I saw how He stretched and disciplined me for my growth.
(This was one of the most challenging titles for me as I have some deep “father wounds”.)
Over and over, His peace comforted me. He was my personal Prince of Peace providing comfort in the intense stresses of life.
Pondering Isaiah 9:6 has become a New Year’s tradition for me. Although I cling to this passage throughout the year, it is particularly meaningful as I look back each New Year purposing to see the faithfulness of God. I also list what I’m expecting in the upcoming 365 days and ask God that these descriptors would be my reality in my unknown.
What circumstance from 2016 might you put through the grid of Isaiah 9:6? What are you hearing from God?
Or reflecting on this past year (examen), how would you answer these questions?
Where have you noticed God’s presence in your life?
Where have you noticed weariness, or fear, or resistance?
How have you experienced God’s love?
Perhaps thinking through Isaiah 9:6 might be something that would greatly encourage your faith as we start the new year like it has done for me.
May you be aware of God’s presence in 2017!
I’m thrilled to partner with Sally Breedlove, my friend and author of Choosing Rest to offer you a lovely printable and a very generous excerpt from her book. Possibly the best advice you will receive heading into 2017. To receive this gift, make sure you are signed into the Echoes of Grace community. On the top right is your invitation to join with your name and email address. I will be sending your gift out between Christmas and New Years. You won’t want to miss out AND yes, you are welcome to share this with your friends.