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“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind so give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV)

On the verge of frustration, I remember many parenting moments when I lost my cool. Perhaps it was simply exhaustion from my single mom life. Maybe it was determination to have a perfect child. Could have been lack of patience after a hectic day at work or something brewing deep within me. Regardless of the reason exposing my child’s faults in public never served me or him well. No one wins when emotions overshadow loving discipline.

So grateful our God gets this one right every time. Scripture reminds us that He searches our heart and tests our mind. The Psalmist David invited, begged and pleaded with God to search and reveal any offensive ways in him. Gotta admit, self examination isn’t easy. Takes work. Takes courage. Takes releasing pride and embracing humility. Sweetest grace when God whispers in private; He longs for us to look deep so His transformation will keep us from blowing it loud in public.

Experienced this the other day. Praying these verses in Jeremiah for weeks. So many occasions where God revealed my selfish, envious heart. Pulled back the blinders and exposed wrong thoughts, lack of right actions, etc…..do I really need to go on? Found myself face to face with things I couldn’t deny.

Love God’s quiet whisper shedding light on dark places hovering in my heart. Grateful for His unveiling of thoughts replaying in my mind. Blessed to hear His still, small voice despite my overarching noise. Learning how to embrace His discipline versus ignoring His truth.

Only a patient, loving and kind God would draw us to repentance. He’s the One we can’t conceal anything from. He knows us inside and out and yet His love is undeniable. We can trust Him to search our heart and test our mind. We can be confident that He will leave nothing hidden but will expose what doesn’t serve us well. No emotional outbursts just simply loving discipline – strategic, intentional work transforming us to be more like Him.

“Father, how blessed we are to hear Your voice leading, guiding and convicting us. Sweet reminders that we belong to You!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life