Search Me O God

 Psalms 139:23-24 AMP
“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

Asking God to search the deep corners of our heart is fearful for some, but David wanted to get rid of anything that would cause himself pain or was not pleasing to God. Sometimes we don’t know what our hearts have stirred up until they come bellowing out in words and actions.

I want to be pleasing to God, and I do not want to bring reproach on myself for my words and actions. So, I say search me O God and bring the vacuum cleaner to get everything that does not belong out of there.

David says, “Test me and know my anxious thoughts…” No one likes to be tested, but if we want our best for God, we will allow Him to test our resolve. Anxiety is real and it creates harm mentally, physically, and spiritually. David didn’t want God to just check his thoughts, he wanted God to see them and get rid of them.

“…See if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me…” having evil thoughts that linger turns into evil actions. Hurtful thoughts to ourselves or others turns into anger or even unforgiveness, which eventually leads to a separation that will require repentance.   After all of this, David does something that I love, he resolves a lot of his songs with replacing hard subjects matters with good thoughts. He ends this Psalm with, “And lead me in the everlasting way.”

In other words, “God, get rid of all that separates me and You, or causes myself harm, or hurts others, and then lead me on that blessed road to Your presence.

Prayer:
Lord, there is an old hymn that says, “Search me O God and know my heart today. Try me O Savior, know my thoughts I pray. See if there be, some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.” Grant it Lord Jesus, Amen!