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It’s that time of year when I go to the doctor for my annual physical. Even though I feel well and I’m not experiencing any health problems, I know that routine checkups are important because they can uncover hidden problems that if left undiscovered can grow to be serious health issues. I know that giving permission to my doctor to find and remedy the hidden problems can lead to long-term health.
Clearly the psalmist felt that way spiritually. Pleading for God to search for hidden sin, he prayed, “Search me, O God, . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). Pausing to give God the opportunity for a full and unconditional inspection, he then surrendered to the righteous ways of God that would keep him spiritually healthy.
So, even if you are feeling good about yourself, it is time for a checkup! Only God knows the true condition of our heart, and only He can forgive, heal, and lead us to a cleansed life and productive future.
Insight:
Often when discussing the greatness of God, Bible scholars speak in terms of His “omni”-attributes. These reveal God to be all-knowing (omniscient), everywhere-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). In Psalm 139 David gives us descriptions of all three. God’s perfect knowledge and understanding are pictured in verses 1-6, His continual presence is praised in verses 7-12, and His mighty power is in view in verses 13-18. We serve a God who is both great and good—a God who is big enough for all we will ever face.
