Psalm 139:16-24 (KJV): Search me God and know my heart

Psalm 139:16-24
¹⁶Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
      and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned,
      when as yet there was none of them.
¹⁷How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,
      O God! how great is the sum of them!
¹⁸If I should count them,
      they are more in number than the sand:
      when I awake, I am still with thee.

¹⁹Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:
      depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
²⁰For they speak against thee wickedly,
      and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
²¹Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee?
      and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
²²I hate them with perfect hatred:
      I count them mine enemies.
²³Search me, O God, and know my heart:
      try me, and know my thoughts:
²⁴And see if there be any wicked way in me,
      and lead me in the way everlasting.

This last part of psalm 139, for me, strikes at the personal nature of God.  He knows us all even before we are formed (verse 16) - and has a plan for us despite our imperfections.  That despite what face or personality we share with the rest of the world God knows the truth in our hearts.  He is aware of our vanity, greed, hatred - our weaknesses - any wickedness (verse 24).  He is also aware to the extent we are good - how deep our faith is.  How much we are truly committed to live the life he intends for us.  How much we are willing to sacrifice.

Dear Lord, you know my heart and have always known my heart.  You know I struggle with my addictions.  You know of my potential for you have blessed me with great gifts.  You have seen me leverage your gifts and blessing to use them to demonstrate your power.  You have also seen me waste those gifts and possibly even abuse them for selfish gains.  Be with me, as you are with all addicts, forgive me of those sins and lead me in Your way.  Guide me in your plan for me that I may be an example of Your light.  Help me root out the evil and sin in my heart and replace it with love.  For it is by Your son's example, Jesus, that I have learned the most effective weapon against hate is love.  Hate only begets more hate.  However, love is the only thing that destroys hate.  In that way, help me slay the wicked and sinful - not with equal and opposite hatred but with love.  For my hope is that people can tell that I am a follower of Christ by the way I love, and have loved.  It is in Your son's name that I pray for a changed and blessed heart.  Amen.

Thanks for letting me share.