Most counselors at some point in their career participate in small groups. I think I’ve been in at least 50 small groups. After listening to individuals for a while, you start to hear patterns.

One pattern has become obvious. It is that everyone carries at least one old question. It’s the deep, from your soul, longing kind of question. The question is very old. It’s seeking an answer. And it’s not the kind of question you ask one time and then forget about it. Rather it is the kind of question upon which the rest of your emotional system is developed.

Here are a few sample questions:

• Am I good or bad?
• Am I good enough?
• Does anyone want me?
• Where do I belong?
• Am I lovable?
• Will someone know me, pursue, and love me like crazy?

Do you know your question? To understand your emotional system you must know your question. Think about the questions. They are deep and heavy. And they sound like childhood questions. But these are grown men asking these questions.

Finding the answer is the path to inner peace. No answer, no peace. In fact, when you look inside someone with an addiction, you’ll find one of these questions is wreaking havoc in their soul.

Prayer

Father, thank you for fully knowing me and fully loving me. Thank you for pursuing me. Thank you for giving me a place to belong. I love being part of your family. And thank you for answering my question through Jesus. Amen.

Bible

Jesus said, You did not choose me, but I chose you… -John 15:16 (NIV)