God's Searchlight!

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. PSALM 139:23‭-‬24 AMP

Whilst I appreciate the depths of the mercy and grace of God, I must also be aware of his judgement. I cannot lay claim to all the good he offers, and then choose to ignore all the directives he gives to enable me enjoy all the good. Walking with/working for God is such a delicate thing that I must get the process, environment and culture right; otherwise I would only run or labour in vain.

David here prays a prayer that all of us must pray constantly: God, search me. The flesh in us is strong willed and will not give up without a fight. The natural man in us does not accept its faults or weaknesses, but would always have a reason for everything it does, good or bad. Only in subjection to God's searchlight can a man's life make impact. Only as God works on a heart can that life meet with God's approval. There is nothing in my natural man that can qualify me for that good.

Being sincere is just the starting point. You could own up to your weakness, yet not go to the right place for help. David's prayer is a guide to us too: only God can reveal to man the true state of his heart. When God searches, he is like a fire. Check out Malachi's discovery in Malachi 3:2b - For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap [which removes impurities and uncleanness]. When I open my life to the Word of God, I allow him do what he alone can do. When I surrender control to God, I simply confess I cannot help myself and that only He can bring me to the place of repentance, rebirth, restoration and regeneration.

All of my thoughts and ways are open before him. I must not deceive myself and hide away from his searchlight. There are eternal consequences to all I do NOW, and only as I submit DAILY to his guidance do I also receive grace to live right. Nothing else will work. His time of favour is here.