Prove Me, O LORD

Psalm 26:1-2

INTRODUCTION: Our modern language is filled with unscriptural concepts that have translated into unscriptural practices within the typical Christian’s walk. We have come to believe that ignorance is bliss! After all, what I do not know will not hurt me. However, this was not the view of the saints of old, especially as it pertained to the condition of their hearts. They wanted to know. In fact, it was a prayer request set forth before the Almighty. These saints of old wanted the Lord to put them to the test so that their true hearts’ condition would be known, both to the Lord and to them. Instead of thinking it better to pretend, go through the motions of the Christian life, or even live that life through the strength of our flesh, we ought to return to the willingness and fervent desire to know the true condition of our hearts regardless of how dark it may be.

I. THE DESIRE FOR PROVING (Psalm 26:2)

A. Its Request

1. Examine me
2. Prove me
3. Try me

B. Its Target

1. My reins
2. My heart

II. THE TOOLS FOR PROVING

A. Through Patience (Deuteronomy 8:2, 16)

1. Though a short trip, it would take forty years to enter Canaan.
2. Though going to a land of promise, they dwelt in the wilderness.
3. Though headed to a land of milk and honey, they now had manna.

B. Through Restrictions (Exodus 16:4)

1. Israel could gather only a certain rate.
2. Israel could gather only on allowable days.

C. Through Opposition (Judges 2:22; Judges 3:1, 4)

1. Israel would have to serve God and obey Him in the presence of heathen practices.
2. Israel would have to reject the heathen practices.

D. Through Visitations (Exodus 20:20)

1. God visited Israel with thunderings, lightnings, trumpets, and smoke.
2. The purpose was that God’s fear would be before their faces.

E. Through Exiguousness (Exodus 15:25)

1. The people came to bitter waters and could not drink.
2. The people murmured.
3. God made the waters sweet and provided for their need.

F. Through Deception (Deuteronomy 13:3)

1. A man gave a false message, confirmed by signs.
2. The Lord allowed this as a test of man’s obedience.

III. THE RESULTS OF PROVING

A. The Manifestation of

1. Obedience (Exodus 16:4; Deuteronomy 8:2)
2. The heart (Deuteronomy 8:2)
3. Love (Deuteronomy 13:3)

B. The Purification of the Proven (Psalm 66:10)

CONCLUSION: What is the Lord doing in your life at present to prove you? How are you doing? What kind of things are surfacing as demonstrations of the condition of your heart? Do you find yourself to be ignorant of the Lord’s involvement in your life? Are you constantly blaming others, circumstances, and conditions when, in all actuality, the Lord is working behind the scenes to unveil what is in you?