“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”  (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)

When the psalmist, David, invites God to search his heart, I feel an opportunity stirring in mine. We may be more familiar with God inviting us to call on Him and wait for His answer, or to trust in Him more than our own understanding. (Jeremiah 33:3 and Proverbs 3:5-6)

But although God knew what was in David’s heart, David invited Him to test it. Other translations, use the words “try” or “prove.” I can only imagine what the testing, trying and proving involved.

Surely, there were situations where it became evident that David’s life honored God. And when he didn’t, David wanted to know what was in him that needed to change.

Because closeness with God also comes with correction from God. So David takes his heart and lays it before the One who made it — the One who could give him strength to change it. 

However, it doesn’t end there.  Through Christ, God shows us He is the only One who can save us. (Acts 4:8-12) I cling to these truths. Maybe you do too. 

For David, it wasn’t just about passing a test. He was willing to know what was helpful or harmful about himself. Would we be so bold? Could we be so wise?

I’m glad David added this to his request:  “…know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” 

I don’t want to offend God either. And yet, whatever I am praying for, working toward or seeking to avoid, uncertainty may fill me with anxious thoughts. If I don’t release them to God, these thoughts lead me away from His path.

But when we know the God who is above all things, we can trust Him with our hopeful things and fearful things. 

Like David, we can welcome His knowledge of who we are and yield to who He is calling us to be. For when God searches the heart, it’s not just about us passing the test. It’s also what we learn about how He helps us.

 “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (Psalm 28:7 NLT)