Throughout the Bible, God admonishes us to spend time examining our hearts.  Paul urges us to look  “carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;” Roots produce shoots and shoots produce fruits. If there is a root of bitterness in your heart, it will produce the shoots of anger, criticism, or gossip, and will result in the tragic fruit of a broken relationship. All sinful roots will eventually produce their ugly fruits. When we see God’s loving-kindness and observe the righteousness of His character, we recognize our weakness, shortcomings, and sins, In the blazing light of His unconditional love and perfection, our hearts are humbled. We are led to deep confession and repentance. Self Examination may not always be the most pleasant experience, but it is absolutely necessary. In self-examination we ask God “Is there anything in my life that is not in harmony with Your will?” We pray, “Lord reveal those attitudes deep within my soul that are not like Jesus.”

Our Lord is bigger than our mistakes and greater than our failures. Understanding our weakness prepare us to receive His strength. Understanding our sinfulness prepares us to receive His righteousness. Understanding our ignorance prepares us to receive His wisdom. The Holy Spirit may lead us to lament over our fallen natures, but He does not leave us there. The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s conviction is to lead us to Jesus. Before God makes us, He must break us.Before He fills us, He must empty us. Before He is enthroned in our hearts , self must be dethroned.What a wonderful saviour is Jesus our Lord.

Excerpt from 10 Days in the Upper Room by Mark A. Finley. (Day 6: Self Examination pp. 55,56)

And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24 (NKJV).