Moment With The Master
“Father-Lead Me”
Categories: Moment With The MasterSearch me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23-24)
Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. This is a passage worth committing to memory, a reminder of God’s constant presence. A young lady once requested this passage to be read at her wedding. How appropriate! Surely God was the most important guest of the day!
The Psalm is easily divided into four sections. The first section (vs.1-6) tells of the impossibility of concealing anything from God. The second section (vs.7-12) declares the impossibility of escaping from God’s presence. Section three (vs.13-18) speaks of God’s great power. In section four (vs. 19-24) the psalmist enters into supplication to God. It is on the last two verses I wish to focus. Here the psalmist enters into reflective self-examination. Consider below three important lessons.
First, the poet implies his imperfect knowledge of is own character. Sin creates darkness and deception. “Who can understand his errors?” (Psalm 19:12) We are easily subject to a sense of self-importance. It is easy for us to excuse ourselves or to lessen the guilt of sins to which we are inclined. Thus, there is wisdom in asking the Searcher of our hearts to try us and cleanse us.
Second, the psalmist plainly states he is willing to know the worst about himself. Men are generally afraid to be placed under such scrutiny. If we go to the doctor want to know everything even the worst, but not so with the soul. The true spirit is a willingness to be tried. Only when God reveals our true character can we make the needed changes.
The third lesson is the assurance that God is able to lead him in the right way. “Lead me in the way everlasting”. “Show me the good way, the way of the righteous, the path that leads to light”. Only God, through his word, can show us where we are and set us on the right path.
By George Slover
