One of my most favorite things to do is watch the sun come up in the morning with a cup of coffee. Especially when there are enough clouds to catch those first rays of light as God paints a masterpiece right in front of me. Psalm 19 resonates deep within my soul as it speaks of His glory in the heavens.

Day after day, night after night, the passage reads, all creation bears witness to the Creator. Literally the entire world, the stars, and all the universe are visual testimonies of His power and wisdom.

Then, after trying to explain the wonder and glory of the heavens, the Psalmist turns quickly to the Word. It, as the heavens, knows no existence but to bear witness to the glory of God. His instructions aren’t burdensome; they’re perfect. His testimony needs not verification; it is utterly trustworthy. His precepts are right, and His commands give light to a darkened path. He declares the Word of the Lord renews life, brings wisdom and gladness of heart.

Unlike the sun, though, the words of God do more than warm us from the outside in. As David ponders God’s glory and instruction, he realizes that people don’t always see themselves in the proper way. He says, “Who perceives his unintentional sins?” Some sins have a way of hiding in our blind spots while others grow into deliberate patterns that gradually gain control over us.

This is where David asks God to reveal the things he cannot see himself; those inward things sometimes known only to God. Jesus does the same thing with the Sermon on the Mount as he encourages us to move beyond the surface of sin and to examine the intents and deep places of the heart.

Psalm 19 isn't an invitation to anxious introspection, but a call to bring both our speech and meditations of heart before the Lord. Here, David again calls God his Rock and Redeemer. He openly and unashamedly examines himself before the only One who is stable, faithful, and able to rescue him from himself.

God reveals what is hidden not to shame or condemn, but so it can be confessed, forgiven, and transformed.

What repeated thought, resentment, fear, or desire could be shaping your behavior? How does knowing God as your Redeemer give you courage to let Him search your heart and reveal the things it is difficult for you to see?

Father, we both know there are places in my own heart I keep to myself. Search those places so I can see clearly. Reveal hidden pride, fear, resentment, and any selfish desire. May your word renew my life and give light to my eyes. Help me to bring my public and private words and thoughts into agreement with you and the Truth of your word. Amen.

““Lord, the hidden place I need You to search in me is __________________.”