“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

Sometimes the hardest thing to face is yourself. Our own evil often brings us to a place in which we would rather keep our skeletons in our own closet. The thing is, we too often love the darkness, and do not want to bring own evil deeds into the light (John 3:19-20).

Why do we try to hide what cannot be hidden? Why do we sweep dirt under the rug and then act like the dirt isn’t there? Why do we clean the outside of the dish, so that it sparkles beautifully; but we leave the inside full of corroded garbage, so that NO ONE (including ourselves) would EVER want to eat or drink from it? (Matthew 23:25).

The Psalmist in the Scripture above has the right thought, “O LORD, I have sinned, search my heart. Show me what evil is inside of me. Look at the hurtful ways in me, and then lead me in the everlasting way.” What a great prayer!!! This is what our heart’s cry should be!!! Teach us O God the ways we sin against you, and purify us!!!

Always remember, everything will be exposed anyway (Revelation 20:12); but if we confess our sin’s and believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection we will be forgiven and saved (1 John1:9; Romans 10:9-10). 

So take this advice and truth: Ask God to search your heart in every way, ask Him to reveal the sin, confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you in the way of the everlasting.

As we look forward into 2012, let’s focus on what is important. Christ said not to worry about tomorrow, that each day has enough trouble of it’s own (Matthew 6:24). That being said let’s live life day by day, diligently following Christ and trying to keep the faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:5,19). In all things, let’s follow Christ and stay full of the Holy Spirit, in order that we will always be prepared for His unexpected return (Matthew 24-25). There are some who say the world will end in 2012, but Jesus Christ said that no one will know the day or hour (Matthew 24:36). So whether Christ returns today, or in 100 years, let’s always remain focused on what is important: living like Christ Jesus by faith. May our resolution always be to be prepared for His coming, day in and day out, so we can hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21,23).

May God’s everlasting grace be with you and yours everyday, from 2012 until forever.