Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24
Seems to me that once we voice this prayer, God takes us at our word. He begins to uncover and uncover and uncover. Truth be told, I used to think I was a pretty good person. However, God took me at my word and began to show the “hurtful’ ways in me. In many of those ways, I have been hurting myself – not only others.
If any of you are familiar with 12-step programs, this is amazingly close to Step 4. “Made a searching and moral inventory of ourselves.” Only in this instance, we ask God to do that for us. As humans, we are often blind to our shortcomings – or to use an unpopular word – sins.
Over and over again, God brings lessons home to me. I think I am a slow learner and am very glad that God is patient with me as He continues to uncover, convict, and teach me about the places I miss the mark.
The most profound lessons that God is teaching me revolve around my thought life and how it impacts all of who I am. What I think is all important. Vital. Changing my thought life is imperative to my physical and spiritual health. God is showing me the strong connection between my thoughts and my current life.
Sometimes it is like playing “dot to dot”. God teaches me one thing, but I don’t connect it to anything else. Then He shows me again. I still don’t make the connection. Yet, at some point I get what I view as an “Aha!” experience (and I wonder if God says, “Duh! FINALLY!”) and pieces fall into place. I have to give credit to the writer of Mountain Wings Issue #1012 for these pieces falling into order.
My health is based on my immune system. My immune system is impacted by stress. I stress out over the things I fear. My fears are based on my thoughts. My thoughts are based on the amount of trust I have in God and His word. I have spoken before about the verse Psalm 3:27 - As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. I never connected it to my physical being before. Spiritual, yes. Physical – no.
There is a song I used to sing as a child:
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little hands what you do
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little feet where you go
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say
I would add .. Be careful little brain what you think …
Father God, Thank You for the way you are faithful to Your promises. When we ask You to search our heart, You take us at our word and begin searching our hearts and minds – uncovering the things that need to be dealt with in order to make us more like your Son. I praise and thank You, that You are full of mercy and give grace in abundance. I pray we keep our mind’s focus on You and You alone.
Amen and Amen. So be it Lord!