“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.”

Psalm 139:23-24

He is the Perfect Gentleman, quietly standing outside of our heart’s door and gently knocking; He will not force Himself in, but will wait until we willingly open from within.

No one needs to tell us that Almighty God is omniscient.  That’s what pregnant Hagar called Him “El Roi” (“God is seeing”) that day in the wilderness after a jealous Sarai had kicked her out of the house (Gen. 16:1-13).  And, that’s why we should remember that David also knew that when he penned today’s Manna.

Yes, He knew God knew everything about him—from the womb to the tomb (Ps. 139:1-17).

Job knew that God knew what he was going through, but still said “When He has tried me I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).  Jonah also knew that even though he boarded a ship bound for Tarshish, which was 2,000 miles in the wrong direction (1:1-3); even though he was trying to flee from “the Presence of the Lord,” he also knew the God of Abraham has a long reach and knew exactly what he was doing and where he was headed.

Thus, David’s request was more than an acknowledgement of God’s omniscience; it was an “invitation for investigation” that would ultimately lead to greater intimacy.

The Hebrew word “chaqar” is used here for “search” and basically means “to penetrate, examine thoroughly, try, etc.”  And, “yada” is used for “know,” and is the same word used in Gen. 4:1a where it says “And Adam knew (yada) his wife and she conceived and bare Cain.”  But, Paul’s desire to “know Christ” (Phil. 3:10) stressed spiritual intimacy.

And, dear Pilgrim, it’s impossible for us to enjoy intimacy with the Lord God as long as we’re trying to play games with Him.

We must be willing to say “Search me, O God, and know everything about me:  My secret thoughts, malicious motives, feelings of ill-will and unforgiveness.  I know You already know them, but it’s my willingness to come clean with you that helps me to experience firsthand your forgiveness and cleansing.”

No one ever said “being crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20) would be easy, quick or painless; neither is “denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily and following Him” (Lk. 9:23).  But, there must be a beginning point in Sanctification—and today’s Manna is that point and to it we must resort on a regular basis.

How long has it been since you sincerely prayed this prayer of David?  What “unfinished business” is there in your life right now that’s keeping you from being sold out to the Savior?  Open now your heart’s door to the Savior and allow Him to come in and be the Head, not just an invited Guest (Rev. 3:20).  Before long, He’ll “create in you a clean heart, renew a right spirit within you and restore unto you the joy of His Salvation” (Ps. 51:10-12).  Then, you’ll be glad that He’s “set your feet upon a Rock (Himself), given you new direction and put a new song of praise in your mouth” (Ps. 40:2-3).  Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated December 11, 2010

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