Complete Access

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

In these two verses, David gives the Lord complete access to his heart, his mind, and his actions.  He held nothing back.  He asked the Lord to perform a complete and thorough search of his being.  These verses reveal to us the strength of his desire to be totally right with God.

When the Lord deals with my heart about certain and specific attitudes and actions, He usually takes the initiative.  By that I mean the Holy Spirit begins to convict my heart and deal with me concerning my sin until I confess it and ask for forgiveness.  I do not think I am alone in this regard.  I believe it would be safe to say that is the case with the majority of believers.  Here, in Psalm 139:23-24, that is not the case.  David asks for a thorough examination of his life.  I (and most believers) know what it is to be prompted by the Holy Spirit to righteousness, but David was actively pursuing righteousness.  These verses should challenge each of us in our desire to be right with God.  Let us look at David’s request to the Lord.

David asks for an examination, leading to information, resulting in a transformation.

1. His Request
   A.  Search me
   B.  Try me
   C.  See me
   D.  Lead me
2. His Results
   A.  Know my heart
   B.  Know my thoughts
   C.  See if there be any wicked way in me
   D.  The way everlasting
3. His Revival
   Lead me in the way everlasting
   
   photo credit: Tammy Brown