Lifting the Layers – by Sharon Dow
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 NIV
Psalm 139 is my favourite Psalm. I have prayed verse 23 many times, search me God, see if there is any offensive way in me. And every time he finds something! I find my mind is like an onion with many layers and each layer hides something offensive. I thought it was hidden, but David says of God:
If I say, surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you. . . O Lord you have searched me and you know me. . . You perceive my thoughts from afar . . . you are familiar with all my ways.
No, they’re not hidden from God. I’m in shock as I see what he reveals . . . pride, jealousy, envy . . . how can this be? I had managed to hide these things from myself. Then I must come before God and ask his forgiveness, which he seems delighted to give.
What about you? Are you brave enough to ask God to search you and see if there is any offensive way in you? I hope you will; and when you do, be prepared! It’s not always what you think it will be; but it’s always true and God is waiting for you to confess your sin, so he can forgive you.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purity us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV
Today’s writer is the author of three Christian historical novels. Find more articles and her books HERE. | 
