Read Psalms 139
Highlights:
The all-seeing providence of God; David's prayer of deliverance from Saul; comfort in prayer; David's prayer for mercy in judgment.
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 (Ps. 139:23-24).
The psalmist prayed to the great Revealer of hearts. He was aware that everything in his life, both past and present, was an open book to God, and he knew that it was next to impossible for him to see all the evils of his own heart. But the Lord wants us to know that He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Rom. 8:27).
The psalmist's prayer expresses a sincere willingness to forsake anything in his life that would hinder his prayer or would be opposed to God's principles. He knew, as did Jeremiah, that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23), so he prayed: Lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:24). There was a desire to be more godly in his heart. Likewise, in our hearts, we should have a desire to be more like God in the way we live our lives — even if this means changing our way of life. As we sincerely seek the Lord's leading that we may personally be more Christ-like in all our ways it could affect our family relations, our jobs, our friendships, and eventually all aspects of our life. In doing this, we begin to invest more in God's Kingdom than our own self-interests and secular influences. We can totally rely on God's promise: But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
The writer declared his hatred for the wicked ways of sinners and was grieved with those that rise up against Thee (Ps. 139:21). He knew that it is human nature to hate the sins of others and overlook one's own faults. We may never realize the evil in our heart until we pray, as did the psalmist: Search me, O God, and know my heart (139:23). The psalmist realized that God was everywhere and knew all he thought or said (139:3-5). His desire was that God would not see him as the sinner he was, but would see him clothed in the righteousness of God's Son, Jesus.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? The answer? Only God (Jer. 17:9).
Thought for Today:
Any habit or interest that lowers our resistance to evil must be abandoned.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who deals bountifully with us (Ps. 142:7). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10; Eph. 3:20).
Word Studies:
139:15 curiously wrought, skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins, lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered, Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten, crushed, struck.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO) • Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar • Major languages: English and Creole • Limited religious freedom • 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to teach you His ways (Ps. 27:11).
Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8