Search my heart
by Ruth Olsen
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Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind (Psalm 26:2).
Yesterday we saw that, in his first letter, Peter urged his readers to be intentional in their Christian walk. If possible, perhaps on the free Bible Hub app, try to read today’s psalm in several translations. Hearing or reading a different translation can awaken us to truths that we can gloss over when using a familiar translation.
In this psalm, David is so forthright and open in his relationship and communication with the Lord. He has experienced God’s help and has learned to trust him and rely deeply on him. Many other psalms express that as well.
Because he has experienced God’s faithfulness, David knows it is safe for him to say, ‘Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart’ (verse 2, NLT). Wow, that’s very intentional!
We see this also in Psalm 139, with David inviting God to ‘search his heart’ (verses 23,24). That requires both courage and willingness to trust the Lord. I recall, back along the track, being strongly challenged by this. Is it actually safe to invite the Lord to search my heart? Once one realises that he already knows what’s there, that it’s actually me hiding from the truth of what’s in me because he is my Refuge, it is indeed safe to invite him to search my heart. I discovered it’s absolutely the safest place to be, for his love holds me as his Spirit shows me anything that needs attention, and I can ask him to change my heart and renew my mind. Have you discovered that too?
Lord, you are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Fill me afresh with your love, and show me whatever you want to show me? Amen.
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