Yeah, me neither.
As I was reading Psalm 26 this morning my eye caught this verse: “Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind” (v. 2 HCSB).
My first thought was fear. I don’t want God to test me or examine me because I sure don’t want to know what he might find!
My husband recently completed an almost 2-year training at work, in which he took tests… virtually every week. Among other purposes, one of the aims of the tests was to evaluate where he may be weak and would need to study more. Through these [seemingly endless] tests, he was able to prepare more adequately for the final exam. (Which he passed! Woohoo!)
Now, we know the “final exam” in life is simple. With Jesus we pass. Without him we fail.
But when we ask God to test us, try us, and examine our hearts and minds, I believe God’s aim is to show us where we are weak and help us get through those ugly areas, repent of unrealized sin, and grow in holiness.
It might be hard. We might see some things we’d rather not. But in the end, God’s microscope is meant for good in our lives.
The next verse says, “For Your faithful love is before my eyes, and I live by your truth” (v. 3).
How fitting.
So today I’m asking my loving, trustworthy, faithful God to test me, try me, and examine my heart and mind. Will you join me?