The journey...

Psalm 139: 23-24 (New International Version)

 ²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.
 ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139: 23-24 (The Message)

Investigate my life, O God,
      find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
      get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong-
      then guide me on the road to eternal life.

On the journey to becoming 'Authentic', there are things that need to change.  Psalm 139 is my favorite chapter in the Bible.  I have always been drawn to verses 23 and 24.  When praying these verses as a prayer, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.  We are asking the most powerful God to 'cross-examine' and 'test' us.  Does anyone feel a little anxiety with those words?  They typically don't come up in a good situation.  The great part comes with the last part- 'lead me in the way everlasting' or 'guide me on the road to eternal life'.  There!  That makes it all worth it!  The anxiety, the vulnerability- all taken away by one phrase.  If we long to be on the right path- to be authentic, real, genuine, trustworthy, God will honor that!

I truly believe God will gladly (excitedly even) investigate our lives, search us and know our hearts.  He knows that when we 'let go and let God', it is ALWAYS for His glory and our own betterment.  We serve such an amazing, loving and grace-giving God.  Although we may not like what is revealed in our lives, it is for the glory of God's Kingdom!

My goal, as a woman, wife, mother, friend, etc., is to pray this prayer daily.  I believe it is the only way for me to become authentic.  We can only be authentic when we are following the real thing- God is the real thing.  I am excited to begin this journey, to be a better daughter of God, to be a better example of Christ, to be authentic.

Please join me in praying this prayer daily.

P.S.  I love this song by Tenth Avenue North.  God is with us, guiding us, holding us in our toughest times.  Don't fight the hands that are holding you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHgNCj4DU_M