Search Warrant

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Some people fail to benefit from the time of testing.” –Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel

From time to time at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene we sing a wonderful hymn. The first stanza of the hymn says:

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free. (James E. Orr, 1936)

In light of this past Sunday’s sermon, I wonder if we realize the seriousness of these lyrics. When our heart is searched by our Lord, how will we know what He sees? Often, the way we find out is through the way we speak and act during trials and temptations. As Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, it’s very easy to sing a song of praise in the sanctuary, but it’s in the moments of crisis that we get to know what’s really going on in our hearts.

Another point Pastor Sam made is that if we are to be examined, then there is to be an examiner. Our pastor reminded us of the story of Job, whose integrity was put to the test by Satan himself. What was the temptation offered to Job? Job, just lash out at God for His unfairness to you; complain bitterly; blame the LORD for your afflictions and your losses.

Today, let’s read a passage from the book of Job-- one of the few places in Scripture where we see a crisis unfold from both Heaven’s and Earth’s perspectives. My prayer is that our reflection on this text will encourage us to live as people of integrity, people who are found with praise and blessing on their lips even in the midst of severe trials and temptations.

Lord God, as I walk through this wilderness season, please show me what's in my heart. Search me, O God.

Job 2:1-10

On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.