I am eagerly anticipating an exam on Friday. It is going to be a tough exam for me and I am not sure I am at all ready or prepared. Ever had that feeling? Well, this is not a college exam or a physical exam. Friday is the day I slip away to be alone with God and allow Him in to examine my heart.
Socrates declared that "the unexamined life is not worth living." A regular spiritual examination and full exposure to the Son is something that has become essential in my life. It's the prayer of David: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
In our home, we regularly take out the garbage and clean out the refrigerator, and yes, even pick up the dog waste in the yard! The question is, do we really have the courage to do the dirty work needed in our own lives? Will we take the time to be still before God and allow Him to expose what is rotting in our own lives and then take the trash out to the garbage can?
I have been challenged by the book, Soul Revolution, by John Burke, which suggests a full spiritual inventory. "The goal is to bring everything into God's light so that he can remove the hidden things fully." He suggests that we pray David's prayer (Psalm 139:23-24) and then write down anything that comes to mind that you need to confess before God. Then listen and respond to the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to journal some action steps to take. What does God want to change? What is God trying to do in your life right now? When we enter His presence with humility and listen for His voice, it will become clear.
Growth begins when we can be a naked soul, fully exposed before the lover of our souls.
Search me, test me, and lead me O Lord...
One more day til T.G.I.F.
