“Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; test my heart and my mind. For Your loving-kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth [faithfully].”
Psalm 26:2-3 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Exams or tests are used to prove the integrity or purity of something. In this Scripture, David asks the Lord to examine his heart and mind, looking for proof that he is walking faithfully in God’s truth. David was asking God to refine his heart like gold.
David wanted to be a man of integrity and truth, so he bravely asked God to graciously examine his heart so that whatever sin was present would be revealed. David knew this refining process was necessary for a close walk with God. David trusted God’s loving-kindness as he asked the Lord to purify his heart.
A Touch of Grace:
When was the last time you asked the Lord to examine your heart?
How did you respond to what He revealed?
Grace Application:
Do you like to be examined, thoroughly scrutinized, like under a microscope? David wanted the Lord to refine his heart like purified gold. You have to be brave to ask the Lord to go into the dark crevices of your heart to bring out the sin that is lurking there.
David models something that those who are in Christ need to do often. Ask God to test the purity of our hearts. When gold is purified, it is heated until it becomes liquid, and the dross (scum) rises to the top so the refiner can skim it off. The gold is allowed to cool off and then is reheated, so more impurities rise to the top and are removed. This process is repeated until the gold is pure, so the refiner can see a reflection of himself in the purified precious metal.
This is a picture of the process followers of Christ go through after receiving the gracious gift of salvation. Our place in heaven is secure. However, while we remain on earth, we need God to examine our hearts to see what’s hiding in the deep places.
It takes courage to ask God to delve into those places we don’t like to go. I often tremble as I ask God to do this. Here’s a real-life example…why do I struggle with the fear of rejection? To find the answer, I ask the Lord into the dark places in my heart. Pockets of pain remain after being rejected in the past. The agony of adultery left me doubting God’s faithfulness. Instead of clinging to the truth that God’s steadfast love will endure forever, I allowed my spouses’ actions to undermine my faith in God. I had to remember that his choice did not reflect God’s character. God will never forsake me…I am secure in His love.
Scripture is like a refiner’s fire that will purify our hearts. The truth found in the Bible will slowly expose impurities that remain. As we ask God to graciously examine us and trust His loving-kindness to refine us like gold, our faithful walk with Him will reflect His goodness and grace.
Prayer
Gracious Father, Thank You for the tests that reveal the true state of my heart. Please examine my heart and bring out the impurities that remain. Help me to be faithful through the painful process of refining so that I will shine like gold, reflecting Your goodness and grace. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**