Worship Devotional - "The Divine Examination"

Key Scripture: "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart." - Psalm 26:2

Reflection

A worshiper knows that God is constantly searching into the depths of his being. David was such a man. The context in which Psalm 26 was written is derived from Psalm 25, in which David acknowledges his sins and shortcomings. With earnest supplications, he asks God for mercy and forgiveness. In that light, he then boldly asks for Divine inspection.

One commentator's interpretation of Psalm 26:2 is: "Examine me and look me through and through; make a minute survey and put me to question and cross-examine my evidence. Prove me and test me, put me again to trial. Try me and assay me as metals are assayed in the furnace."

Thank God that He forgives us our sins when they are confessed. This gives us the boldness to ask God to never stop seeking and searching our hearts and minds. This is the essence of the worshiper—one who welcomes God's examination.

The worshiper must be cleansed as by fire to remove the dross. It is so easy to worship God in the day of prosperity and health, but are we as prepared in the day of lack and sickness? We do not have to wait for the crisis for God's fire to burn. Let the flame continuously be alight in our hearts so that the smallest imperfections are constantly consumed.

Today's Challenge

Pray David's prayer today: "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me." Welcome God's searching light into every area of your life. Let Him refine you so your worship can be pure.

Prayer

Lord, examine me. Look me through and through. Search my heart and my mind. I welcome Your refining fire to burn away anything that hinders my worship. I have nothing to hide from You. Purify me so my worship can rise to You unhindered. Amen.