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"Search me, O 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 NIV)
Having eight dogs requires a lot of regular upkeep to ensure that my little house is always neat, tidy and clean. I therefore, wipe down my floors and vacuum each day. It may sound like a lot but in reality, it only takes me 20-30 minutes in the morning. There is however, something else which I do. I have a special brush that my sister found for me, many years ago. The bristles are densely packed and have a curve to them. When I brush my already vacuumed furniture and rug with this tool, it pulls up anything the vacuum may have missed, which is always more than I would imagine. At the same time, I am always delighted to know, that because of this special tool, things are as clean and hair free as possible.
The other day as I was using the special brush, I was reminded of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, in regards to, the uncovering of hidden sin and anxiety within our hearts. The psalmist knew that when it came to his heart that there were things that only God could reveal to him. Things, that for whatever reason, he himself could not, or was not, willing to recognize. Hidden things that perhaps he had carried in his heart for so long that he did not even recognize them for what they were or even why they were there.
Likewise, I am the same. In fact, none of us are perfect. We all carry hidden scars and hurts and habits and sin within, that affect our thinking and behaviour, without us even realizing it. God however, sees and knows all that is within our hearts and when we ask His Spirit to search us, to know our heart, to see and reveal any offensive way in us, He is more than able to do so. He will quietly and tenderly speak to us about these things and then guide and direct us as to the way we should proceed so that we may receive healing and transformed thoughts and actions.
Having eight dogs requires a lot of regular upkeep within my home. Keeping the temple of my body, God's home, cleansed from sin also requires regular spiritual maintenance. A task which the Holy Spirit is only too pleased and equipped to do, if and when, we choose to ask Him.
Prayer: Father God, today I pray: Search me, O 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. In Christ's name I ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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