Do You Have The Guts?

Reference: Psalms 139:23-24 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.

Observation: Are we willing, really, to let God search our hearts and point out what is wrong with us? Inside of most of us is the desire to be right, not know what is wrong. It takes a strong heart and fortitude to be willing to look at our faults--especially from God’s perspective.

God knows our hearts and that makes it even more of a challenge. We can point to our actions and make the case that we are doing pretty good, we are quite righteous, but God knows our thoughts and motives. He knows what no one else knows.

Even though it is a painful and difficult process, it is worthwhile to give God permission to search us and challenge us. It brings us closer to Him by showing us those things that are standing in the way of an intimate relationship. It allows us to change, and change leads us to a more fulfilling life. Everlasting life is a quality of life now and not just length of life in the future.

It all starts with the simple willingness to say; "God, search me. I give you permission to reveal my own weaknesses, even to me. I want to change and grow, get closer to you and become more like you."

Application/Confession: I want so much to be right that I hate it when someone points out a flaw of mine. It may be a friend, my wife or someone I work with. I want to believe that I am always doing everything right, but I know that this very attitude is a recipe for not growing and changing. I need to value this kind of correction, especially from God. I need to see it as something valuable in my life and welcome it.

PRAYER: Lord, as hard as it is, I welcome to search my heart and correct me. I want to learn and grow in you. I don’t want to offend You or Your people. So, search on!