Psalm 139:23–24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
David concluded this psalm with a prayer for God to search and test him in order to prove his loyalty, thus showing that he was not like the wicked mentioned in 139:19–22. David asked God to test him as a refiner tests metal. Since God knows everything (cf. vv. 1–6). Such an examination David was convinced, would yield evidence of his loyalty. The Lord in His leading would then preserve his life (everlasting, probably means prolonged life) here as he followed the Lord. All believers who come to understand the attributes of God discussed in this psalm find them a great source of comfort, and a great prompting to obey Him. 1
Living the Transformed Life
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2
- Please examine my life, that I may become a person of integrity. – Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity. Job 31:6
- Please examine my life, that I may become refined in the fires of Your love. – The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts. Proverbs 17:3
- Please examine my life, that I may become a believer who hears and obeys. – Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8
The examined life is a life well-lived.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for knowing me, loving me, and leading me. Dear Jesus, please teach me to welcome Your frequent examination and correction.
1. Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
