LET US PRAY AS THE PSALMIST DAVID, that we may know our true selves. None can search the heart but God; none are desirous or willing for the heart to be searched but real Christians. A believer desires to know the truth, even if it be the worst. He hates deception. Grace has made him honest, and he prays, "Lord, search me." If a man were to search, he would expose, irritate, and wound us; but if God search, He will humble, strengthen, and heal us. The man who sees himself in the light of truth, and knows himself as the effect of divine searching, cannot trust himself for one moment. He flees from self to Jesus, from law to grace; he loathes himself; and while he confidently trusts in Jesus, and rejoices in hope, he walks humbly with his God. He cannot boast, he dares not presume; but walks in holiness, and ascribes all to free grace. Beloved, take your heart to Jesus to be searched. He says, "I am He that searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins." If He search you, He will save you from deception, self-righteousness, and every false way. Be this your daily prayer, "Search me, O God, and lead me in the way everlasting. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try my reins and my heart."

For Meditation:
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.