Psalm 139:23-24
Investigate me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my troubled thoughts. See if there is any way in me that causes pain, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Dear Heavenly Father,
With great reluctance, I pray with the Psalmist that you would investigate me and know my heart. Lord, you know why I am reluctant, because I am embarrassed by those things that I think, say, and do. Those things that my sinful desires come up with I know should separate me from you for all eternity, and I feel that I am competing with Paul to be the chief of sinners. Should you test me? Lord, I know that on my own, I would not be able to stand before you. You see, the guilt I have; my thoughts are wicked as well. We all put on façades for others to fool them about our righteousness, but you know our hearts.
However, my salvation is not dependent upon myself. It has been placed into your Son’s hands, those same hands that have the nail scars. The way to eternal life is through those scars. Jesus’ head was crowned with the thorns of my thoughts. He was slapped in the face for all the wicked things I say. His feet and hands were pierced for every time I walk in ways that do not follow you and the evil things I do. His side stabbed for all the wicked things that come from my heart. He was beaten and flogged for my sin. Lord, your Son, paid the price of all my sin, so I can say with the Psalmist lead me in the way everlasting. Through faith, your Spirit created in me I trust in Jesus as my Savior; that is the way to eternal life. Forgive me my sins, and thank you for giving me the promise and sure hope of salvation. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
God knows you intimately; you can hide nothing from him; he already knows your sins. That is why he sent Jesus because he has also already forgiven you. Jesus is the way to everlasting life.