THE VALUE OF GOD’S SEARCHING LIGHT

 

We have a hard time knowing ourselves. It takes some work to discover what is truly inside us. Often, it is only revealed through pressure and trials.

But beyond that, we are so intent on being liked and accepted that we are master hiders. We cover the reality, seeking to give a better impression that is really true. Many give little thought to who they are and live blissfully ignorant. Such mental and emotional laziness is not helpful if we desire to be all we were created to be.

SELF-AWARENESS

Most of us are a product of the world’s ideas and a curious admixture of our own confused and limited evaluations. We can think way less of ourselves, which causes a whole set of problems, or way more, which poses greater problems. Our great enemy doesn’t care which ditch we wallow in. But he knows that a lack of self-awareness will lead us to make all the wrong choices and miss the purpose of our existence. It will abort the glorious, unique plans our Creator has for us.

LET GOD SEARCH YOU

There is a remedy for this confusion. We can cut through the voices of the world, our own limited understandings, and the devil’s accusations with one Light. It is offered to us by the One who knows every cell of our bodies and every thought in our minds.

The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts. (Proverbs 20:27)

God sees everything. He knows the status of every person’s true self—good and bad, healthy or unholy. This is why David asked God to search his heart and reveal to him what was really there.

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

There’s a silly phrase that is common today. Someone will say, “Well, that’s my truth.” In other words, “I don’t really care what truth is” (for they believe there is no objective, real truth). “This is what I believe, and if it’s true to me, then it IS truth.” The sad absurdity of this is beyond tragic. They believe that the fervency of their belief somehow makes it real.

You could accept this as your “truth”: “I can fly off a ten-story building. You may not think so, but that’s my truth.” Your truth would get you killed.

God is truth. Jesus said He was the “way, the truth, and the life” and there is no other (John 14:6). The One who made you, loves you, and has plans for you is the One who sees and understands. What is amazing is that He offers to help us discover truth—about everything—and especially about ourselves. His searching light sees all, and, if our hearts are open to His inspection, we can become self-aware, made so by the gracious help of our Father.

And the value of such awareness is inestimable. Once we know the truth, we can run to Him for help in correcting what is in error, resolving what is hurtful, and growing in righteousness, becoming more and more conformed to His great destiny for us.

Ask Him to turn on the spotlight. Spend time with His Word to hear His voice and prayer. He has everything to gain by restoring you to His original design, and so do you.

O Father, thank You that You see me and know me perfectly. Reveal to me the truth about myself. Show me my weaknesses and help me understand how to cooperate with you. Reveal my motivations, both good and bad, and bring them in alignment with that which will help me glorify You and help others. Restore me to the Manufacturer’s original design with the glorious searchlight of Your Spirit and make me whole!