Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if
there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
~ Psalm 139:23-24
There are times our hearts are filled with anxiety and worry, and we can't
find any peace. The stress and struggle of daily living clouds our souls, and
we find ourselves losing sight of God and His plan for our life. When that
happens, many times we find ourselves drawing away from God and retreating
inside ourselves.
The hardest thing to do is to ask God to search our heart, examine our ways,
and cleanse us of any wicked ways that lie inside us. It means being
vulnerable and opening ourself to pain - the pain that comes with growth.
None of us want to think that there's any wickedness inside us, but Jeremiah
17:9 says that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. That's why it's
important to open up to God, even in the midst of our pain and confusion. His
Spirit reveals the darkness of our souls, and when we see what lies inside of
us, we can confess it to Him, and He has promised to forgive us and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.
Once we face what God is revealing to us, we can move forward into His grace
and love, and discover His peace, the peace that passes understanding.
Opening up to God is a frightening thing to do, but He already knows what lies
inside us. Nothing we ever think, feel or do is hidden from Him, and to try
to hide it from Him or deny our feelings is a bit ridiculous and shortsighted.
He created each one of us and He knows everything we've ever done and ever
will do....and you know what? He loves us anyway!
We can trust Him to bring healing and peace into our lives when we allow Him
to search our hearts...He has promised to lead us in the way everlasting, and
He keeps His promises. Open yourself up to Him today - it's hard, but it's
not a risk, because He loves you and has promised to forgive you.
Lord, as we face our struggles and doubts today, be with us and grant us
courage to turn to You. Help us to open the darkest corners of our hearts and
minds to Your examination, knowing that we can trust You to love and accept
us, and not reject us. Soften our hearts towards You, and fill us with Your
peace today. Continue to lead us in the way everlasting.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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