Search Me, Oh God

I'm preparing myself for my 2nd Life in the Spirit Seminar here in NY. The expected participants for the seminar were given a shepherd to help us evaluate and prepare ourselves for it. Last Tuesday, I met my shepherd for the first time and she asked me a question that I was expecting to be asked. She asked me if I still have any issues in my heart that may hinder the work of the Spirit. I immediately said, aside from my worries about my visa, I don't think I have any. I sound so hypocrite but honestly that's what I thought because I had already confessed and forgiven myself and the people from my past. Now, I am ashamed of myself. I answered without even evaluating my heart. Whatever reason I may give as an excuse, I know I was wrong. I should have just kept my mouth shut and reflect with the question. Note to self, some questions doesn't need to be answered right away. ^_^

I have read that to keep plants looking fresh, you have to wipe them off regularly because the dusts that are accumulating on the leaves can actually prevent the light from getting to them. No matter how tiny the particles are, if we just take them for granted, it will pile up and can become a thick layer. It's just like our "little" sins.

Resentments, sharp words, impure thoughts, or selfish attitudes, all take their toll on our spiritual vitality. These things can become a thick layer that can keep the light of God from entering our hearts. If the accumulation of unconfessed sin has gathered on your soul, do as David did—confess it to the Lord. (Psalm 32:5)

I praise God for His constant reminder that I have to persevere everyday to keep my heart clean.

Search Me, Oh God
Steve Green

Search me, oh God
Reveal my heart
Expose my sin that it may be confessed
Search me, oh God
Unveil each thought
And leave no hidden motive unaddressed
Uncover every action born in pride
Show me the worldly ways I still embrace
May every anxious thought be brought to light
And each unspoken fear with faith replaced

Search me, oh God
Observe my life
Bring to my mind each idle word I speak
Search me, oh God
Test my resolve
And alert me where you find it weak

Reveal all weakened walls within my soul
Show me potential dangers unforeseen
Then clothe my conscience with your holiness
Help me guard it well and keep it clean

Search me, oh God
That I may walk in peace
Filled with the joy of knowing all is well
My heart surrendered and my conscience clean
So great a joy my tongue can scarcely tell
Oh what a joy to know that all is well

Confession of sin lets the light of God's
forgiveness shine through.