Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In all of my years of schooling, I think I dreaded the tests more than anything else. I wish I had been a better student and devoted myself more to the material, but if the truth were to be known, I failed to discipline myself.
I once heard a minister tell about how he had procrastinated in preparing a paper for a class. Late on the night before it was due he had run out of time and now it was do or die for him. He quickly sat down and scribbled out, “‘I’m all petered out!’ That expression comes from the actions of the Apostle Peter. He made wild boasts about what he would do, but he began to sink in the water; he missed cutting off the head of a servant as Jesus was being arrested; and he denied even knowing Jesus. This was all because he was all petered out.” The teacher gave him a passing grade and remarked that she had always wondered where that expression came from!
In today’s Scripture the Psalmist is praying a vulnerable prayer. He is asking the Lord to search his inmost heart and thoughts to reveal anything offensive. He then asks for the leadership of the Lord to guide him to everlasting life. That is my prayer as well.
Blessings, Dear Hearts, draw near to God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil