King David, the man whom the prophet Samuel called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), has been accused of being disloyal to God (2 Samuel 16:5-8). Psalm 139 is his response. He has an intimate relationship with God and begins by telling God that God knows all about him, even his thoughts and words before they are spoken. “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” There is no place where we can escape our creator and Saviour. The final verses, 23 and 24, sum the entire piece up with the words, “Search me, O God, and know my heart?” We know the story of David, he like us is not without sin, but David lives forgiven, loved and embraced by God.
Search me, O God and know my heart today. Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray; See if there be some wicked way Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.*
How about you? Are you living in the embrace of forgiveness, love and freedom that God offers? Have you forgiven yourself?
* “Search Me, O God” by James E. Orr, 1936 (public domain)
Dear Lord, you know us inside and out and still you love us. Thank you and help us to live in your embrace, forgiveness and love. Amen. — REJ