After having some difficulties with my computer once, my husband suggested I get a software program to run systematic scans that would find and fix any problems or files that simply needed to be securely trashed. I found one that was in fact called Find & Fix.
The first time I ran it, the scan found over 1,700 junk or problematic files. I suppose with as much work as I do on a computer, it’s not hard to rack up that many, but I was still surprised. And then I thought how cool would it be if we (as people) could run a “Find & Fix” on our spiritual lives?
And then I remembered… we can.
The Bible says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). The Message translation says, “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.”
If you didn’t catch it, the key here is vulnerability. In other words, you and I have to open ourselves up and ask God to search us. Just like the software program wasn’t going to test my computer without my permission, God isn’t going to force Himself on us either. However, He has provided a way for us to be checked. Proverbs 20:27 says, “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart.” I can wholeheartedly say I’m grateful my spirit man checks me at times. It’s the still, small voice, the nudging within my heart that often brings correction and helps get me back on (or stay on) the right path when I’ve missed it.
I intentionally check my computer now to protect it from harmful viruses or corrupt files that would contaminate and possibly destroy it. And I know that’s why God has given us the Holy Spirit. God loves us and doesn’t want to see us “contaminated, corrupted, or destroyed.”
In fact, the Bible says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Some of my friends teasingly call me a techy nerd because of my computer savvy, but when my computer started acting up, I was eventually at a loss where to check for the problem. I had to call the experts for help. And that’s what you and I have to do spiritually too.
There are many times when our study of God’s Word will help us through a situation because we trained ourselves by the Word. But there are also plenty of opportunities for us to call on the expert Himself. And we should never feel bad for needing to do that.“The [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]” (1 Corinthians 2:10, AMP).
And when the problem is found and fixed? Woohoo! There’s a lot of rejoicing because no one likes to live with a continuous problem (natural or spiritual). So let yourself be vulnerable today. ASK God to search your heart and see if there is any wicked way within you. And then let Him FIX it by revealing truth to you and guiding your steps through repentance or simple adjustment. I promise you’ll be rejoicing on the other side.
