Want to be daring? Give God permission to search your heart and mind. It is quite revealing!

²⁰ But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,
Who tests the feelings and the heart (mind), Jeremiah 11:20
³ But You, O Lord, know me [and understand my devotion to You];
You see me; and You examine the attitude of my heart toward You. Jeremiah 12:3 AMP

Yesterday, we looked at Psalm 73. Today, we will look at Psalm 139, particularly the last two verses,

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

There are several exercises I do with verses. One is to look at several different translations. That one was the NIV. Here are some others:

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;
²⁴ And see if there is any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way. NASB

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!^[a]
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!^[b] ESV

a. Psalm 139:23 Or cares
b. Psalm 139:24 Or in the ancient way (compare Jeremiah 6:16)

The Amplified Version says, “Search me thoroughly…” As we can see, there are several adverbs and adjectives that can be interchanged.

Another exercise I like is to substitute as many other fitting subjects that can help me be more godly (like God), such as, “Search.” I might substitute, “scrutinize,” “study,” examine,” or even “refine.” Each word adds a texture or layer to the verse. “Anxious” is another good one. I might substitute, “worrisome,” “doubting,” “stressed,” “overloaded,” or even “duplicitous!” We could do the same with “hearts,” “know,” “thoughts,” “see,” “lead” and “everlasting way.”

Tomorrow, we will deal with “grievous,” “hurtful, and “offensive.”

Abba, each morning when I read these verses, I am aware of You, Your love, and Your care. I want to be just like You, and the only way I know how is to allow You to know and command my thoughts and ways. “Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way.” Amen.