Search Me, O God
“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.” Ps 139:23-24 NLT
It was over 20 years ago that I wrote the song, “Search Me, O God”, based on Psalm 139:23,24.
Have you ever talked with someone who was absolutely sure they would never flake out on God? Someone who was so confident in their ability to stand against any and all temptations or adversities, without so much of a bend?
Someone who could ignore scriptural warnings such as…
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the forces of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9,10 NKJV
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV
Well, that someone was me.
I wrote the song for some people in our church who were struggling with being true to their marriage vows. Seemed like a good song for them. But a year later, I was dealing with the very same thing!
I didn’t pay attention to the warnings of the Spirit, the Word, and other Christians. I felt I knew my heart, in spite of what God said in His Word; in spite of the warnings.
Now, when I sing this song, I’m not singing it for anyone else. I sing it as a prayer for me!
Yes, thank God for His mercy and restoration. Thank God for new hope, new opportunities! But it is a whole lot better, and safer, to keep out of traps and shackles strewn across the land of my heart.
Now, as far as I know, I am loving the Lord and serving Him with all my heart…
…as much as I know my heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart
Try me and know my thoughts
See if there be any wicked way in me
And lead me in the way everlasting
When the storms of life are raging and my feelings all confused
Lead me to the Rock that’s higher than I
May Your Spirit gently woo me and help my heart to see
That not everything I feel is Your desire
O may my life be consumed by Your Holy fire.
As from glory to glory I travel, upon the road of faith
Remind me that it’s You Who holds my hand
And if I’m walking on the water, or drowning in my tears
Help me be secure in Your plan
In love, faith, and holiness to stand.
Jan Grace 