Broken Watch

Broken Watch

4:35

“Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,” Psalm 139:23-24, NIV.

I went to check the time on my wristwatch the other, and it caught me off guard that it had stopped. I hadn't realized my watch wasn't working. How long have I been using a dead watch? Why hadn’t I noticed it? Have I just been putting a broken watch on for days? Obviously, I don't examine my watch as often as I had thought.

As I thought about other things that go unnoticed, I started to think about my faith journey. Is there anything that has become so routine I am unaware it has no value other than ornamentation?

Like putting on my watch, is there anything I do in my walk with God that needs to be examined?

God says we are to test ourselves, 2 Corinthians 13:5, like a spiritual physical. To check ourselves is to make sure all of our parts are in alignment with God and His purposes. That we still love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. That we are still committed to His way of doing things.

But often, we neglect that bit of advice. We want to believe we’re okay. Because what if we aren’t, it means admitting we have a different mindset than God’s. Which means we potentially have work to do like confession, forgiveness, and humbly placing ourselves back under the mighty hand of God, I Peter 5:6.

Our lives here on earth are not for show, but for purpose. That purpose needs to be protected. We can protect God's plan by making sure we are in our right spirit. His Spirit. One that is humble seeking God over self. Which can be challenging at times.

But family of God, let’s ask ourselves the hard question; “LORD, will You search me so I can see what You already know about me?”

Father,

Help me to know my heart. Help me to be brave enough to fix that which is broken, or in need of repair.

Help me not to just go to church, but to remember, I am part of the church. I have responsibilities for You and Your kingdom.

Help me to partner with You in this life for kingdom business. Help me to really, authentically mean, “Not my way, Yours be done.”

If I need to ask for forgiveness, help me do so with humility and urgency.

If I need to forgive someone, help me to do so with the same grace and mercy You have for me.

If I am not loving You more than I love myself, help me to realign my heart, soul and mind so my strength is not wasted.

“Create in me a clean heart oh LORD, and renew a right spirit within me,” Psalm 51:10.

Thank You for all you have done for Your creation, Your people.

Amen.