Tag: anxious

  • Guilty or not guilty?

    “Search me, O 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.

    “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life” – Psalm 139:23, 24 (The Message).

    Investigate, search, test me — those are mighty probing terms. Do I really want the God of the universe cross-examining me? One thing for sure – nothing will slip past him. There’s no way I can bluff the One who sees all and knows all.

    Prayer: Thank you, God, that you are a personal God. You are involved by knowing & caring for each of us. Gently lead me away from wrongful behavior and thinking. Guide me in the path of integrity & virtue.

    Ask: What about you? Are you willing to have every thought and action cross-examined before the Judge? Or, like me, are there some pieces of your life you’d rather not have exposed? If so, can you take steps to right the wrongs?

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  • Search my heart

    “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive [wicked] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). 

    This type of probing is similar to exploratory surgery. Over two years ago, a neurosurgeon analyzed an MRI revealing a tumor resting alongside my brain. I could have ignored the surgeon’s recommendation for removal of the tumor, but he was the expert and I was not.

    There’s no point in pretending with God. He knows my every selfish, evil, and wayward thought before I even do. I might be able to fool my family or friends, but no thought or deed gets past the all-knowing Creator of the universe. I understand that God “created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). How much more involved in my existence could anyone be?

    Prayer:  Through you and you alone, God, I can receive healing and direction. Point out the error of my ways so I can confess and experience forgiveness. With this degree of involvement, I know I can trust you with my every concern.

    Ask:   Is there some area in your life being scrutinized and watched by God? Are there thoughts that need to be dealt with by the merciful, loving Physician?

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