i see the Lord
It appeared to be just a second random encounter as we found ourselves in line with two women we had previously shared a meal with that day. I say “random” with a smile on my face, fully aware of God’s providential orchestration of divine encounters and conversations.
A friend and I were attending a conference that weekend with a group of around 200 people. This second conversation quickly moved past the pleasantries and small talk, into more profound, heart-wrenching, the “kind of stuff that keeps you up at night” topics.
As we traded concerns with commitments to pray, one of these women stated seeing evidence of God’s work. She shared how she had studied the book of John a few years back in a Bible study.
She was especially struck with John 20, which includes Mary Magdalene’s encounter at the empty tomb and her conversation with whom she initially supposed was the gardener. Upon the “gardener” speaking her name, she immediately knew it was not the gardener but, rather, the resurrected Jesus.
Jesus gave her further directions to go and tell the disciples what she had seen. John 20:18 CSB states, “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her.”
This friend shared how that practice, a verbal and audible calling out where you see the Lord at work, has brought tremendous encouragement and hope. Her deep, soul-level crying out to the Lord on certain issues continued, but
recognizing evidence of his presence was life-giving and faith-spurring.
As I have reflected on this practice she has cultivated, I have found myself drawn to do the same. As I have called out various evidence, I began to consider what a game-changer this could be…both in my day-to-day and ultimately my life.
This New Year’s, I am planning to place a journal on our kitchen island. This journal will serve as a record of where we can quickly jot down where we see God at work.
This past month, I have seen Jesus in several ways: a gentle reply in response to harsh words, a child putting their sibling first, schedules rearranged, which then provided free space for a phone call from a grieving friend, apologies, and reconciliation.
In the present, these events are freshly stamped in my mind, but over time, they fade, and I can forget them altogether.
The Old Testament is full of exhortations to remember.
In Joshua 4: 1-12, God directs Joshua to place 12 stones on the Jordan River bank to serve as a reminder to the Israelites of when he parted the waters for them to cross.
Throughout the Old Testament, feasts and festivals created time for the Israelites to pause, reflect on God’s work and provision, and praise him as they “remembered.”
A friend of mine says we need to “remember to remember.”
Remembering is powerful; it can change perspective and shift heart attitudes.
It can lead us to set our gaze on and, in turn, worship the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but it can be hard to remember.
As much as I want to recall quickly, time can fade the intensity and even the impression of how God moved or worked.
I invite you to join me in journaling where you see the Lord at work. Yes, record, but also be quick to share with others. Sometimes we can find ourselves in a wilderness season in our walk with the Lord.
Hearing of God’s work in those around us can fan our flame of faith and encourage us in perseverance.
I look forward to how God will work in our hearts as we recognize and meditate on his presence and involvement in our lives. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)
Happy New Year!
Blessings, friends!
