Search Me, O God, And Know My Heart

Search Me, O God, And Know My Heart                               November 20, 2022

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalms 139:23-24)

In Psalms 139 David shares with the reader the amazing aspects of God’s omnipresence and  omniscience.  He is present everywhere all at the same time and is all knowing.  No matter where one goes, He is there and He’s aware of all the things that are happening throughout the world, even the thoughts within the mind of mankind.  There is no place that man can hide from Him nor thing that one can conceal from Him.  Indeed, He is God Almighty.

When Adam & Eve sinned, then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked so they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings (Genesis 3:7).  Then when they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden they hid themselves from His presence among the trees.  Then He said to them, ‘Where are you?'” (Genesis 3:8-9).  God knew where they were.  It’s just that they knew that they had sinned against Him and were ashamed.  God made the first step to reaching out to them about their problem with sin.  What a beautiful thought to know that whenever we get caught up in some sin, God is there for us and doesn’t want us to hide from Him but approach Him for help and forgiveness. 

The Hebrew writer reminds us that there is no creature hidden from God’s sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (have to answer to; to whom we are accountable to) (Hebrews 4:13).  There is no cave in which we can hide nor island we can fly to in order to escape from God.  Wherever we go, He is there.  The prophet Jonah couldn’t hide from God nor can we.

Consider the alternative.  Instead of hiding from Him, why not turn to Him.  Since He knows everything about us; where we are; what we’re going through & what we’re struggling with, then it just makes sense to go to Him, especially since He truly cares for us (I Peter 5:7). 

In Psalms 139, the Psalmist asks God to search him thoroughly.  He wanted God to know about his anxieties and hidden concerns so that God could help him but he also wanted God to see if there was anything in his life that would prevent him from pleasing Him.  Have you ever wondered about such in your life?  He wanted to be okay with God; acceptable in His sight.  And if there was anything in his life that would keep that from happening, then he wanted to rectify it. 

His final request was that God would lead him in the everlasting way (the way that leads to everlasting life).  One is more apt to sin when he/she follows their own feelings rather than the truth of God.  The Psalmist is simply saying to God:  You take the lead and I will follow You.  I’ll be safe when I keep my eyes focused on You (Hebrews 12:1-3).

What a great thought to dwell on.  Being a Christian is about being a follower of the One who will lead us right into eternity.  Along that path, He will cleanse us from all sin (I John 1:7); intercede before God on our behalf whenever we sin (I John 2:1-6) and give us confidence in the Day of Judgement because as He was on earth, so are we when we follow His leadership (I John 4:17).

Who are you following today?

Brian Thompson