Sunday 3rd December
“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.” (Psalm 139:23-24) (NIVUK)
David has just cried out for God’s judgement on evil doers which causes him to draw his thoughts back to himself. He is anointed king by God, has deeply pondered and meditated on his Law, and declared his allegiance to the Lord alone. Does this mean he is perfect, free from sin and anxious thoughts?
David knows the human heart is deceptive and needs to be guarded. He knows sin, both known and unknown, lurks ready to overtake us (Ps 40:11-13). But, he also knows God’s true forgiveness and unconditional love. So, he boldly prays to be searched, not just in regard to anything ‘offensive’ (that brings pain or grief to the Lord), but even regarding any ‘anxious thoughts’ that reveal a lack of faith and trust in God’s care for us.
God searching our hearts and knowing us, bookends this Psalm. In v.1 it comes as a statement ‘you have searched me and know me’, and in v.23 it is a prayer, ‘search me, God, and know my heart’. In the same way, what we know about God should become our prayer, as we take the truth of his Word, ponder it, and then pray it.
‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ (Psalm 51:10) (NIVUK)
Karen Barklay
