Search Me God (Psalms 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.

PSALMS • 139:23-24

We know that the prick of our conscience brings to light our wrongs; Our conscience validate against a benchmark of what we understand to be right or wrong. However, we are no good at defining this benchmark ourselves. Within us there are many wrongs that are offensive to God but our conscience does not recognise them.

When God leads us, he teaches us, orienting our human conscience to validate using his perfect precepts. Our conscience soon learns to spot everything that causes offence to God.

David knew this well. He knew that God looks at our heart and longs to find faith and trust and that when he finds anxiety instead, it offends Him. David also knew that the solution to his great impediment was for God to lead him in the way everlasting.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life…” (Luke 12:22)”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1)”

What David knew we must also know. Of our many offences, anxiety (fear, doubt and worry are its buddies) stem from a lack of faith. God does not intend for us to be anxious, he has clearly told us so (Luke 12:22). He has also clearly instructed us to trust him (John 14:1). Our conscience must recognise that being anxious offends God. We must learn not to let life be governed by anxiety but rather by the promises of God.

God’s promise for us is perfect peace, not worry. When you invite God to search your heart he will lead you through his Holy Spirit into all truth (John 16:13) which as Jesus said (John 8:32) will set us free. Free from our anxieties and into a life of trust marked by a perfect peace that will rule our hearts (Isaiah 26:3).