Be known

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. (Psalm 119:23-24)

It was a pretty bold thing for David to 'challenge' God this way, wasn't it? If you are anything like me, you'd rather not have God looking all that closely at times! You'd rather not give him the 'clear picture' into your soul because you know exactly what he will find. Yes, we are men and women with a heart after God, but to be entirely truthful here, we don't always have all that great of a track record of remaining 'sin-free'. David was not deterred from asking for God's 'examination' because he knew with each 'exam' came a greater influx of God's grace into his life - mercy given when and where it was the least deserved. David wasn't asking God to just 'seek out his sins' - he wanted God to know exactly what was in his heart - wishes and dreams; fears and doubts; passions and desires.

He was asking God to find out everything about him - then reveal what he found. Why is this so powerful of a prayer for us to pray? We don't truly 'know' ourselves as well as we think we do. We need God's revelation of who and what we are at the very core of our being - all those places we have tucked away little things here and there until they become a muddled mess we don't even recognize anymore. It is quite apparent David didn't want any sin in his life to be standing between him and God. He wanted total transparency, but even when we want to be entirely truthful and forthcoming with our lives, we may not really know the truth about ourselves apart from God's examination of our lives. When we ask for God's examination, we aren't entirely sure what he will find, are we? We hope for the best, but how many times have we been surprised by what he uncovers?

When God uncovers something, it is never for our 'undoing' - it is so he can be revealed in us just a little bit clearer. There are really three parts to this prayer: 1) We seek to be known as we really are; 2) We hope for God's mercy where it is most needed; and 3) We ask because we want to be directed down a course that continually leads to right choices. Indeed, this is a bold prayer for any of us, but it is oh so important we pray it. The hardest part may be asking to be 'known'. The second hardest part is asking to be led. The easiest is seeking mercy where it is not deserved. We don't always like the discomfort of transparency - of others (even God) seeing us as we truly are. Without it, we live very shallow lives - never really knowing ourselves, nor fully appreciating the tremendous love and grace of God. Just sayin!