Examine Me

“Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

This passage is what Craig Groeschel calls a dangerous prayer. One of those prayers that are easy to quote but much harder to apply. I feel like I have been in a season of this prayer. God has been examining and showing me things that I need to change. They are not the big things the world can see, but those inner things that He is pruning away from my life.

Recently, He has been doing a lot of restructuring in my thoughts. Although I teach people about cognitive distortions, like all or nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions and discounting the positive, sometimes I still get trapped in them. He has shown me so deeply rooted thoughts that have distorted my view of things.

I know in part, He’s examined some of the areas in the past too. I was not willing to surrender to His process. I was not willing to let go of my flesh and what I wanted. He knew my mind and didn’t force it. In hindsight, sometimes I wish God would push me more. My tendency is to just stay in ease. I know when I finally submit to His will the outcomes are so much better; I often wish I got there sooner. I want Him to push me out of my routine and comfort zone.

I am open to allowing God to examine me now, but it hasn’t always been the case. This was one of my prayers earlier this year. It hasn’t been an easy process; it is not enough for me to allow God to show it to me. I have to be willing to allow Him to change me. I have to be willing to let Him work out the evil within me, and truly guide me to His ways. I have to lay down my flesh, intentionally. I have to stop trying to justify my words, thoughts and actions, conceding I am sinful.

Prayer – Lord, Continue to examine me, and help me to know my mind as You do; test me, and discover my thoughts, help me to take the negative ones captive and bring them in line with Your Word. Reveal to me any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way, I am tired of my status quo comfort, tired of settling for less than Your best. Help me to hear and obey You.