SEARCH ME O GOD --- Psalm 139:23, 24.
"Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." --- Psalm 26:2.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." --- Psalm 139:23, 24.
Would David, the man after God's own heart, not trust himself, but present his heart to the Lord to be tried? much less can or ought we to trust our hearts; for "he that trust in his own heart," says the wise man, "is a fool." --- Proverbs 28:26.
We have more reason to be afraid of our own hearts than aof all our enemies. It is not necessary for us to know when, or by what means, the Lord searches our hearts; but every one that is really in a state of grace, and walking in the fear of the Lord, will pray him to search the heart, and deliver him from every wicked way.
The Holy Spirit hath various ways of searching the hearts of his people, and makes use of different means with the same person. We are not to limit the mode or extent of his operations; but it is our duty to pray that he will in everything guide us in the way that leadeth to everlasting life.
Some may be worked upon very differently from what we have been; but the whole is under the direction of infinite wisdom, and tends to manifest the glory of Divine grace in our salvation.
Lord, search my soul, try every thought;
Though my own heart accuse me not
Of walking in a false disguise,
I beg the trial of thine eyes.