The Way Everlasting

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

About a month ago, my son learned to walk. It has been quite fun to watch as he gains more and more confidence on different terrain. A few weeks ago we were walking out to the car, parked by the roadside, so I took his hand and said "Come here, I will lead you in the way" and in my mind I finished the phrase by saying "everlasting."

My mind had instantly been drawn to Psalm 139. Verses 23-24 read, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

What turned into a simple directing of my child to the car turned into a moment of reflection. I love that about parenting, God teaches me so much through the process and reminds me so much of the truth I need to hear. I led River to the car because he doesn't fully comprehend the danger of the road and moving vehicles. He has some concept of pain and consequence but only through limited life experience. In the same way, through Bible study, prayer, maturing in Christ - we have some concept of our hearts' condition, our anxious thoughts, and our offensive ways as Psalm 139 says. But, we do not have full understanding even of our own selves.

We must too, like David, pray this same prayer found in Psalm 139. In doing so, God draws us closer to Himself. He leads us in the way everlasting, something we do not fully comprehend. But one day we will, when we stand before God in Heaven; until then we need God's help and His Spirit's guiding.