April 29

Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. — Lam 3:39-40 BSB

I believe many who profess faith have never truly “examined and tested their ways.” They have not been weighed in the scales of divine justice, nor have they stood before God as the heart-searching Jehovah, feeling cast down and condemned in their own conscience. They avoid such testing because they fear what it will reveal. Like a deceitful tradesman who hides his flawed goods in a dark corner of the shop, these people hide from the light, fearing it will expose the weakness of their religion. As the Lord says, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20).

If you have never had your ways searched and tested by God’s Word, or if you resist and reject the heart-searching ministry of the Spirit, it shows there is something amiss in you. The candle of the Lord has not searched the depths of your heart. If you are truly seeking God, you will cry with David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).