REJOICE

As you reflect on the passage from John 10, how would you describe Jesus’ heart toward you? He describes himself as a Shepherd motivated to save, to lead you to find places of security and nourishment, places of connection where you can let down your guard because you know that one who is powerful and loving is watching over you.

But Jesus is not the only one watching the sheep, is he? Jesus describes thieves and robbers whose motivations are very different. They are also ever watchful for the opportunity to capture prey for their own purposes. Jesus’ desire is to lead to abundance — the Enemy’s motivation is to lure toward damage and destruction.

The word translated ‘abundantly’ is only used a few times in the New Testament, but creates an image of flourishing, overflow and excess. As we continue to practice the Examen, we will explore the movement of rejoicing in the places in your day where you experienced glimmers of the abundant life Jesus desires for you.

• Retreat - Find a place to quiet yourself and simply be with your Heavenly Father. Become aware that He is both WITH you and FOR you. Picture Jesus, your Good Shepherd, holding back all distraction and deception so that you can have unhurried and uninterrupted time with God.

• Replay - Take a few minutes to replay with God the previous day taking note of the emotions you feel as you recount conversations, meetings, errands, traffic, phone calls, and deadlines. 

• REJOICE - Talk with God about the particular places where you experienced the abundant life Jesus came to provide. This is His desire. Spend a few minutes simply REJOICING with Him. You didn’t miss those opportunities! You were in step with His Spirit and received these good gifts sent from your Heavenly Father.

And that will be enough for today!