Scripture 

Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

Try me and know my thoughts! 

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV) 

Thoughts 

“Search me.” Investigate me, O God. The Psalmist wants to be completely transparent with God. He asks God to cross-examine him, know the deepest corners of his heart, know every thought. David invites God to see if he has sinned—not that God doesn’t know, but that David knows there are sins that he isn’t yet aware of. 

Ultimately, the psalmist wants God to direct him in the way of eternity. And when asked, God will masterfully shine the revealing light of truth into people’s hearts. The Lord wants people to know the truth. Paul says in Romans 1:19, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them” (ESV). 

Then why does it seem that so many people don’t know God and don’t know how to live for him? It’s because they suppress the truth. In Romans 1:18 Paul says unflinchingly, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (NLT). 

We have a tendency to suppress the truth because we are disposed to sin. We don’t want God to assess us. Nor do we want to be cross-examined by the Holy Spirit. So, rather than opening our hearts to God’s spotlight of truth, we hide in the darkness of unrighteousness. 

Application 

Are you suppressing the truth about your relationships? Or are you willing to let God to search you and try you? The key to healthy relationships is to ask the Lord to search your heart and your motives, especially when a relationship shows signs of strain. God will help you see the hurtful ways and lead you on his good path. 

Prayer 

Lord, you are a God who interacts with your people. I need you to search me and test my thoughts. Please reveal to me any hurtful ways I have hidden in my heart. Help me follow your path. . . . Continue praying.