Determining Weaknesses

Psalm 139:23-24

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.

Sometimes, I just can’t figure out what is wrong with me. Now, I’m sure if I said that around my two teenage children, they would have plenty of suggestions for me, so maybe I should be more specific. As a runner who has dealt with lower back issues, I sometimes have nagging pain, even if I am maintaining a healthy exercise regimen. Sometimes what has worked for weeks or months just stops working, and the pain returns. And I just can’t figure out why.

Recently I talked to a personal trainer about this issue. I was surprised to learn, through a series of simple tests, that I had some major areas of weakness in my legs. I had always assumed my legs were as strong as they could be. After all, I am a distance runner and my legs are full of visible muscles. But though I looked strong, I found out I had some key areas of weakness.

The trainer explained to me that my weaknesses were affecting my mechanics. This imbalance was putting a strain on my back. So how did I feel when the trainer told me I was weak? Honestly, I was thrilled. I had a diagnosis and a series of exercises to correct the problem. And the exercises would not only take away my pain but allow me to be a stronger runner. It was a great learning experience.

All of this made me think about Psalm 139. In it, David asks God to search his heart and to test him. He asks God to look for anything offensive within him and to lead him away from it. I’m often reluctant to pray those words. I’m afraid that God will reveal something to me that I need to give up or ask me to make a change I do not want to make. But then I think how great it was to find the source of my back pain. Finding out and solving a spiritual weakness is even better.

But in Psalm 139, David doesn’t just ask for testing. He begins by contemplating the depth and intimacy of God’s love and understanding. He realizes that God knows every detail of his body and every thought that crosses his mind. He remarks that God knows his thoughts before David even thinks them. He praises God that there is nowhere in all of God’s creation that he can go that would be apart from God. And then he asks to be tested.

I was amazed at the personal trainer’s expertise regarding the human body and his ability to provide me a solution. How much more should I be amazed at God’s knowledge of me and my heart, my being and all my ways. How much more should I be willing to be lead by him in all things and at all times?

Heavenly Father, You created me. You had plans for me before I even existed. Even now, when I am busy doing my thing and forgetting about You, You are with me and know me. Father, show me who You would have me become. Reveal to me Your plans for me and show me where I do not follow You. Encourage me to leave behind anything that separates me from You, and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ strong name I pray…AMEN.

Being Led By Christ

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

If you have ever had an injury, then you are probably familiar with the RICE method of treatment: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. The directions for RICE are as simple as the acronym: do it early and do it often.

The “problem” with the RICE method is that you actually have to do it to see results. If you are like me, you will try to get by without it. Perhaps the most difficult part is the very first instruction: rest. Reducing mileage or temporarily eliminating running is the last thing I want to do. After all, when I set a goal and begin to see results, I do not want to change my course of action. Even if I know it is best for me, I am not inclined to do it. And it’s not just in running, but in other areas of my life. I know what I’m supposed to do, but I do not do it.

If you share this attitude with me, you will find that in the Bible we are compared to something unexpected: sheep. In the wilderness, sheep depend on the shepherd for every need in their lives. Not only does the shepherd graciously give everything to his sheep, he loves them so much he would risk his life for them. The sheep, however, tend to ignore their needs. In fact, sometimes they do not seem to recognize what is best for them. If not led to pasture, the sheep will wander aimlessly. If not made to lie down, the sheep do not rest.

In Psalm 23, David says that Jesus is the Shepherd who makes him lie down in green pastures. Some Bible translations say He lets me lie down, but the original translation is makes, as in “to cause or to render.” David shows that he is prone to stubbornness when he admits that the Lord has to cause or make him lie down in green pastures.

Like David, I too am stubborn. I wander aimlessly but do not look to God for direction. Or when I do, I choose not to go where He leads. Maybe I want to take an easier way out. Maybe I do not want to exercise self-control or practice patience when I am busy pursuing a goal. But what goal do I have that is greater than resting in a green pasture with Jesus? What am I trying to pursue other than letting Christ restore my soul?

Praise God that He unfailingly loves us, forgives us, and is always willing to lead, guide, love, and protect us. His grace never ends and his mercy never fails. No matter how often we wander nor how stubborn we become, nothing will separate us from His love. The Perfect Shepherd is not only willing to lay down His life for us, He already has! Let’s rest in His gracious love.

Lord Jesus, You truly are the good Shepherd. You know my every need, and because I am Your sheep, I lack nothing. Help me to listen to Your voice and Your calling. Help me follow wherever You lead. Forgive me when I stray, and keep me safe always. In Your holy name I pray…AMEN.