Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
What a beautiful Psalm. I know that when King David wrote this for the first time, that it was revelation from the Holy Spirit. Though I wonder if he ever went back and re-read it and realized what a dangerous and transformative prayer this is.
This is an open invitation from the heart of man to the heart of Father God. If you truly read this Psalm and apply it, you will never be the same again. There is no turning back.
Let’s walk through it together line by line in laymen’s terms:
Verse 23:
Ok God I am done pretending. I’m letting my “Religious Guard” down and I’m ready for Jesus, the one true God to enter my heart, and to truly know me in all my most secret places. I want you to see it all. Every fear, insecurity and place of control. Look at every desire, strength and weakness. Gaze into everything I believe about you, myself and the truth that I call righteousness. Come into the places that I may have closed off due to past hurts. Lord I want you to poke and refine every part of my heart. Leave nothing un-examined. Is this making you uncomfortable yet?
Verse 24:
Through divine relationship, expose in me anything that is pretending to be good and call it like it is… Show me every false God propped up in my heart. I want to be offended by what you're offended by. Don’t dare leave me the same. Give me grace to change. I am ready to alter the direction of my life, from what is dark, to your eternal light.
What a Psalm! What a dangerous prayer. Is it easy and painless? No way! Is it worth it? He’s worth everything! My challenge to us as a church this week… Turn off every distraction, turn to the Lord and allow him to examine.
Love,
Pastor John