Introspection

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.
Psalms 139:23-24

Some people are naturally wired to be curious, always looking for the “hot goss”, watching investigative television, spending hours online doing research, and might even seem to be downright nosy in their interactions. Other people truly don’t want to know, get a headache when dealing with details, want to live in the moment, and ultimately just want to be left in peace. Wherever you fall on the ‘ferret spectrum’, as I like to think of it, one area of exploration is always the most challenging: you.
Engaging in introspection, the process of critically examining yourself, is always painful. Delving into what feels like the Mariana Trench of your soul takes courage and dedication due to the difficulty in confronting your feelings, negative thoughts, and unsavory habits. This is the greatest battlefield of our Christian discipleship, and it is truly a battlefield.
King David knew he was not perfect, and he knew that God saw all. The wisdom he showed in Psalm 139, both in acknowledging God’s omniscience and requesting God’s assistance with the painful process of introspection, sets a powerful example for all of us. We all fall short, but ignoring a problem just leaves us weak and vulnerable. Instead, let us actively engage the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying process and proactively pray Psalm 139:23,24 so that we can be vessels that glorify God more and more every day.