trbccoffeebreak

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (ESV)

My least fave place to go is to the doctor. Can’t say I ever look forward to a visit or sitting in the Waiting Room. But a new year means I have to get my annual physical. You know like step on the scales – shoeless of course. Fill out the forms. Update all my personal information. And then answering all the questions from the man with the stethoscope dangling around his neck. Yes, it’s the dreaded visit and the anxiousness revolving in my head – just hoping nothing is wrong – keeps my stomach in knots. Early detection is the key and despite the unpleasantries, we are wise to not avoid having our physical each year.

Wonder if we approach a spiritual checkup the same way? We don’t have to leave home for this appointment. We don’t have to step on the scales or update our current info. We simply need to pull ourselves away from the busyness and chaotic noise. Settle ourselves open before the Lord. Seeking His evaluation and gaining insight about ourselves we’d much rather avoid. Quite simple to discard this appointment for more important things. Dreading the diagnosis, we put off looking inside for fear of what we will find.

While early detection is critical to our physical health it is equally important to our spiritual health. What’s our checklist look like:
 What am I learning from God’s Word?
 How am I applying God’s word in my life?
 Is my focus centered on “my way” or am I surrendered to His will?
 How would you describe your prayer life?
 How do you cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and worship?
 When was the last time you shared the gospel?

Just a few to get us going….no shame….no condemnation…we live in an atmosphere of grace here. But if we want to flourish in our relationship with God then we must take our relationship seriously. God honors those who diligently search for Him (Hebrews 11:6). He reveals Himself to those who draw close (Proverbs 8:17). His truths speak deep into our souls and those who choose to apply His word find wisdom (James 1:22).

Early detection is still the key – best way to examine our hearts is to seek God’s help. It’s one appointment we don’t want to cancel. He is our gentle Savior – One who disciplines us for transformation out of the depths of His compassion. We can be real with God because He knows us completely and desires the very best for our life.

“Father, Your kindness leads us to repentance – a turning away from what displeases You. Help us to welcome stillness and seek examination of our hearts so our motives and desires will align with Yours.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life