“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you…” – Deuteronomy 31:8

What are the events that are the most memorable in your life?  If you are like me, you probably remember the extreme moments the clearest; those times of great joy and great anguish.  I have a very crystallized memory of things like my wedding, the birth of my children, my divorce, the death of my dad…  I think I remember those things so vividly because of the emotion attached to them.  Emotions are so powerful aren’t they?  They linger in the depths of our memories, and yet, at a moment’s notice they can be recalled and are as strong as ever.

Try this with me, I promise it will be worth your time.  Take a few minutes of quiet time today and really recall one of the best memories of your life, and one of the most difficult.  Don’t just think about it.  Enter into it and relive it.  Pay attention to the sounds, them smells, and yes, your own emotions.

But also try to be aware of God’s presence in those events.  Looking back, can you see God at work?  Can you discern a blessing or a comfort, supernatural joy, or peace?  If you can’t quite see it, ask God to show you where He was.  He will be delighted to do that.

I find that, in the midst of strong emotions, I many times miss God because I am so wrapped up in myself.  But as I look back, I can almost always see Him there, at work on my behalf.  I can see Him opening and closing doors.  I can see Him in the smiles and support of friends.  I can see His joy in my triumphs and His pain in my sorrow.

In reflecting on these monumental events in my life, I begin to see my relationship with God more clearly.  I can see His heart for me and His desire to care for me.  It helps me to understand who I am.  I am beloved.

I hope that each of you will have the blessing today of understanding more clearly how beloved you are.  Look at His actions toward you, there is no doubt.

Gracious Father,

You have always been there for me and always will be.  You have cared for me even in the times that I didn’t know You.  Help me to be aware of Your presence every day, not just those special events.  Show me how to commune with You in such a way that we are walking closely together at all times.  Thank You, for never leaving nor forsaking me.  Thank You for being the good Father, and always providing exactly what I need.  Lead me along the path of blessedness.

In my Savior’s name I pray,

Amen