Whirling Thoughts

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!

- Psalm 139:23-24 ESV

I’ve often prayed these verses, asking God to show me if I have allowed any sin to creep into my heart. And that certainly fits what David says in verse 24, “see if there be any grievous way in me.” But I’ve recently begun to see another application in verse 23.

A few weeks ago, I was feeling off balance and didn’t really understand why. Try as I might, I couldn’t figure out what was going on in my heart and mind. My thoughts seemed to be whirling out of control at times.

That’s when “Try me and know my thoughts!” became a plea for help. I needed to know what I was struggling with so that I could let it go.

As David tells us in Psalm 139, God knows my inmost being; He knows me better than I know myself. He knew what was causing my upset even when I didn’t. He sent some friends to say just the right words so I could identify the issue (a combination of little things piling up in quick succession, for what that’s worth). Once I knew what that was, it was much easier to take those thoughts captive so they didn't keep me off balance any longer. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Sometimes, I forget that I don’t need to have exactly the right words to bring my need to God. But trying to find those “right words” on my own causes me unnecessary stress. God is just waiting for me to ask for help. And even when He doesn’t provide clear answers to me right away, He always gives me exactly what I need when I need it.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer

and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard

your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Think About:

• Have you ever wrestled with something on your own before going to God with it?

• What helps you to take your thoughts captive?