SPIRITUAL HEART PROBE
A probe is a thin, flexible rod with a blunt tip for exploring, testing, or examining something. Medical cardiac probes are constructed to slip between the ribs and create images of the heart structure and blood flow. A flexible probe, which is inserted via the esophagus, can produce high-resolution images of the heart, aid in diagnosing heart disease, and evaluate the quality of the blood flow. It can even display a 3D or 4D image of the heart. However, aside from the physical, a spiritual, inner heart probe also exists that goes past the physical condition and into our inner attitudes, wants, and motivations. It is a profound probing of the heart and the Spirit, looking for God's healing and love through prayer and meditation.
Psalm 17:3 declares, "You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress."
God's Spirit is deeply concerned with probing our hearts. He knows that the heart is the wellspring of our speech and conduct. Without regular examination, our hearts can drift into a dangerous state of denial, losing touch with reality and distorting how we see others. A healthy heart keeps us honest and engaged, and it is through the tender touch of Jesus that we are reminded to look inward. Our hearts can either hinder or help us live wisely. So, how do we invite the Spirit to probe our hearts?
A heart probe by God doesn't happen by accident. It is an intentional act. Just as we consciously care for the physical well-being of our hearts, we are also called to nurture the spiritual health of our hearts. We cannot spend all our time doing the work of God while neglecting the voice of God. Good works, born from an unguarded heart, can create an illusion of selflessness. But they do not resolve the internal conflict that may reside in our hearts. Under the Holy Spirit's probing, we see ourselves for who we truly are. It is in these moments of discovery that we invite God's grace to strengthen our hearts, which may be torn by conflict.
"Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them " (Hebrews 13:9).
Our words, or even our silence, reveal what resides within our hearts. At times, the Holy Spirit checks our hearts and moves us to silence, teaching us that trust in God triumphs over the troubles we face, enabling us to demonstrate long suffering toward the Lord and His people. This is a heart of faith. At other times, the Spirit urges us to speak up, even when we are uncertain about the outcome. Yet, He gives us the courage to do so, and this is a heart of boldness. In either case, we submit to the Holy Spirit to govern our hearts, whether we are called to silence or speech.
The heart probe can come in many forms. It may be the constant practice of prayer, which penetrates our hearts with grace and forgiveness. It may be the endurance built through trust, strengthening our hearts with greater faith. Sometimes, our Savior's stethoscope of conviction reveals sin that requires confession and repentance. A heart that is aligned with the Spirit produces the right speech, spoken in the right way. Intimacy with the Almighty hinges on the health of our hearts. "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings" (Jeremiah 17:10). Through this spiritual heart probe, let us invite God to search, examine, and shape our hearts so that we may be a true reflection of His love and grace.
PRAYER
Father, as I stand before You both day and night, may my heart and motives be found pure. Allow Your WORD to wash away impurities from my heart and spirit consistently. Keep me forever clean before you allow my heart to pump without any spiritual or natural irregularities. Strengthen my heart and soul. In your testing of my heart and visiting of me, may I be daily found to say that You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I ask all of these things in the Name of Jesus, Amen.