Bible Verse of the Week

“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 (NLV)

Without a doubt, the psalmist King David already knew that God was all-knowing and all-powerful. He was keenly aware that God knew his heart. Knew his motives. Knew his thoughts. Knew his every word and deed. How can we be so certain? Because 22 verses before David states, “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.”

So why would David, the king who is famously known for being a man after God’s own heart, begin a psalm, “Lord, you know me” and then end it saying “Lord, know me”? Why would he ask to be known if he knew he is already known? You know?

If you look closely, David isn’t just asking to be known, he is asking to change. He wants to be led along the path of everlasting life, knowing change cannot happen in the life of a believer if he is not willing. Let that statement sink in. The God whose power created the vast universe chooses to withhold the same power and waits… for us… rather powerless humans… to be willing to change before He leads us in the path of everlasting life.

David calls to God to search him, illustrating his willingness to change, beckoning God to have His will with him. He says search me, test me, know me SO THAT He may point out the ways He is falling short before God. By David’s willing act of submission and permission, God was then willing to sanctify David.

If you too desire to be known by God as a believer after His own heart, you first must submit yourself to his scrutiny and willingly give God full reign of your life. With that reign, the Loving Father will work his process of sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit and lead you in the everlasting way.

O Lord, by all means, for Your glory, let it be done.