Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O 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. (NIV)

Having eight dogs requires a lot of regular upkeep to ensure that my little house is always neat, tidy, and clean. I therefore wipe down my floors and vacuum each day. It may sound like a lot, but in reality, it takes me only twenty to thirty minutes in the morning. There is, however, something else which I do. I have a special brush that my sister found for me many years ago. The bristles are densely packed and have a curve to them. When I brush my already-vacuumed furniture and rug with this tool, it pulls up anything that the vacuum may have missed, which is always more than I would imagine. At the same time, I am always delighted to know that because of this special tool, things are as clean and hair free as possible.

The other day as I was using the special brush, I was reminded of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, in regard to the uncovering of hidden sin and anxiety within our hearts. The psalmist knew that when it came to his heart, there were things that only God could reveal to him — things that for whatever reason he himself could not or was not willing to recognize for himself — hidden things that perhaps he had carried in his heart for so long that he did not even recognize them for what they were or even why they were there.

Likewise, I am the same. In fact, none of us is perfect. We all carry hidden scars, hurts, habits, and sin within that affect our thinking and behaviour, without our even realizing it. God, however, sees and knows all that is within our hearts, and when we ask His Spirit to search us, to know our hearts, to see and reveal any offensive way in us, He is more than able to do so. He will quietly and tenderly speak to us about these things, and then guide and direct us as to the way that we should proceed so that we may receive healing and transformed thoughts and actions.

Having eight dogs requires a lot of regular upkeep within my home. Keeping my body — God's temple — cleansed from sin also requires regular spiritual maintenance — a task which the Holy Spirit is only too pleased and equipped to do, if and when we choose to ask Him.

Prayer: Father God, today we pray: "Search me, O 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." In Christ's name, I ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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