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.
—Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

A few days after Christmas, my husband asked, “What are your goals for the coming year?”

My eyes slid sideways as I tilted my head in his direction. “I don’t have the energy to answer that question right now,” I whispered.

The truth is, I hadn’t given it much thought. The shift from one year to the next is just another change, and I do not like change.

After some contemplation, I realized my focus would have to adjust this year. Rather than setting goals about weight loss, exercise, or painting (though they still matter), I sensed God calling me to focus on inner rather than outer change. This realization had come gradually over the past year as we lost several of our “safety nets.” A new state, a new home, new friends, new ministry opportunities, becoming first-time grandparents, and new health challenges have unsettled our routines and thrust us into the uncomfortable reality of change. So, my “goals” for this year have shifted as well. As I considered what God is doing in shaping my goals, three things stood out:

• Sanctification. I want to be more like Jesus. My thoughts and sometimes my words have not always aligned with “What would Jesus do,” and I’d like to be more like Him when considering others and interacting with difficult people. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
• Freedom. I want to be free from anxiety and fear. I’ve come a long way, but a few things still grip my mind—airports for one. I am anxious every time I go through security. I also fear people who aren’t in control of themselves, who are angry or violent. (We had a traumatic experience at a train station, so now, in general, I avoid persons experiencing homelessness.) Read 1 Peter 5:6-9.
• Spirit-led. I want to be led in the everlasting way. Sometimes, I leap before I evaluate whether I’m doing God’s will. I have been especially impetuous this year, not taking time to pray before acting. Read Psalm 139:24.

The theme verse at the top of the page is a prayer for sanctification, a prayer for freedom from fear, and a prayer to be led by the Spirit. It captures how David felt after confessing his sins. Drawing from this, I am reminded that God knows all about me. God created me. He knows my tendencies toward self, but I don’t always see my own sin. As the passage says: “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.”

In this season of transition, like David, I am taking inventory and asking for change. I encourage you to reflect as well. What is God leading you to surrender? How does He want to make you more like Jesus? Pray this prayer and surrender, and He will lead you in the everlasting way:

Father, I want to be more like Jesus. Please search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Reveal anything offensive to You, and I will confess it. Above all, lead me in the everlasting way right into Your loving arms of grace. Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

Donate
If you’ve been blessed, keep the blessing going!
Click over to our Donation page … and thanks.

Share it. Pin it.