Search Me

One morning this past week, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read John 2:24-25 from the New Living Translation (NLT). When I study the Word, I usually use the New King James Version. But I enjoy the NLT for reading because I sense the Lord speaking to me personally.

But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people.
No one needed to tell him about human nature,
for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
John 2:24-25, NLT

“Jesus didn’t trust them,” and “he knew what was in each person’s heart,” moved me to tears. I turned to Psalm 139:23-24 and made these two verses my prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24, NLT

While I focused on these verses, I thought of common problem areas many of us battle such as anxiety, doubt, insecurity, pride, and selfishness. If you’re like me, you may struggle in one or more of these at times. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about each of these sins. I hope you’ll take time to review these verses for yourself. I’ll summarize them here.

Anxiety—Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar part of Scripture. We are to trust in the Lord and not depend on our understanding. When we seek His will, He will guide us to the right path.

Doubt—The verse mentioned above applies to doubt too. But we can also look to Romans 10:17. Our faith grows from hearing the Good News about Christ. The more we get into the Word of God, meditate on it, and follow it, the less doubt we’ll battle.

Insecurity—A great verse here is Galatians 2:20. Jesus died for us and now He lives in us. When we trust in Him, we understand who we are in Christ and how much He loves us. If He is always with us, why do we feel unqualified or uncertain?

Pride—Here’s a verse that can put us in our place. Galatians 6:3 tells us not to think too highly of ourselves. We aren’t all that important.

Selfishness—Philippians 2:3-4 makes this clear by telling us not to be selfish, but to think of others as better than ourselves. Do we follow Jesus’s example by taking an interest in people around us and what they need and want?

Are any of these problem areas for you? My hope is that you will pray, ask the Lord to search your heart, and ask Him to show you anything that offends Him, so you can follow His lead.

O God, You know what’s in my heart. You know everything about me. Search me, Lord, and show me, convict me Holy Spirit, of all that’s within me that offends You. When I try to walk alone or go my own wayward way, help me instead to follow Your leading and go forward in faith in You. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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A Change of Heart

“. . . a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people” (Romans 2:29 NLT).

Have you thought or said, Look at me? I won most likely to succeed in high school. I graduated college with honors and three degrees. I received a promotion over five other people being considered. I own a successful business. 

Are these comments about ourselves wrong?

Sounds like the “I” syndrome. Who blessed or gifted us? We’ve been told we should toot our own horn and brag about ourselves. Should we? Is that what God’s Word teaches? To seek praise and admiration from others?

I’m guilty. A few months ago, I posted a photo on Facebook holding a trophy for the best impromptu speech at Toastmasters. I’ll admit. It felt good to be recognized for an accomplishment, but the verse above says I need to seek praise from God. Not people.

Why do we leave Him out? Only through God can we achieve anything. Without Him, we are nothing.

Should we instead take on the attitude, I’m not that good, or I’m no one special? God in you makes you special and good if you’re his child.

Either way, the problem lies in us. We may need a change of heart to understand every good gift is from God. James 1:17 says, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father . . .” (NLT). We shouldn’t brag about or condemn ourselves.

To seek God’s praise and give Him credit for any accomplishments in my life, I need a heart change to recognize He performs His giftings through me.

“For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36 NLT).

There is one exception to bragging rights, however—grandchildren. I do have three of the best. Although, I understand they are a gift from the Lord.