Daily Devotional
Do You Ask God to Search Your Heart?

July 2, 2023

Ponder This

Do you want forgiveness? Do you know what I do sometimes in my study? I sit down in my quiet time, and I lay myself open to the Lord, and say, “Search me, O God, and try my heart.”

And sometimes it’s very painful. God will show me things that I say, “No, Lord that’s really not true. You’re wrong, Lord.” No. He says, “You’re wrong, Adrian. I’m right.” I’ll write it on a slip of paper, and sometimes that list will get pretty long. But then I’ll take that list and go one at a time and I’ll deal with it. I’ll name it. I will repent of it. Something on my list may seem like a harmless thing to you. It may not be wrong for you, but it is for me. Or something may be wrong for you that wouldn’t be for me. But I deal with each item on the list, then take my pen and write 1 John 1:9 over the whole thing and tear it up in little pieces. By that act, I’m reminded that I’ve been set free.

• What is something God has told you is wrong for you even if not for others?
• How have you experienced the freedom that comes through repentance?

Practice This

Take time this week to practice the exercise described in today’s devotion. Read and write the truth of 1 John 1:9 over the list God brings to mind for confession.