The Stoplight
by Elizabeth Cole
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.
You’re driving along Highway 83, life’s good, great song on the
radio, the Corn Man is finally at his stand and…whoa, light just turned yellow.
You slam on your brakes to stop at the now-red light…and everything that’s been
tidily hidden under the front seats is now littering the floormats, including
the empty Dr. Pepper bottle that’s partially wedged under your heel. Hershey’s
wrappers, leftover packaging of a Reese’s (or two), the half-empty bag of Dove
chocolates readily available for the occasional emergency.
Has this ever happened to you? Yeah…me neither. [1]
It’s interesting what a jolt in the middle of life can reveal
about ourselves. That suddenly uncomfortable confrontation; that way-higher
medical bill; that selfish response to an inconvenience. What was neatly tucked
away for nobody to see…including ourselves…comes rolling into sight. For many
of us, the first response to our initial reactions is a combo of embarrassment
and shame. Honestly, it’s discouraging to see just how far I have to go in
becoming like Jesus, probably because that is truly my heart’s desire.
But look at King David’s lyrics in Psalm 139, and notice
how much he trusts God. He begins by acknowledging that God knows everything
about him, followed by a beautiful description of God’s never-leaving presence.
He goes on to recall that God is, in fact, the One who made him and ordains his
life. He aligns his values with God’s, and then asks, “Search me…test me…point out anything
in me that offends you…” I don’t get any sense that he’s embarrassed or
ashamed, but because of his relationship with the Lord, he’s humbly asking in
confidence and security.
This changes everything. When we lay the truth of Romans 8:1
(there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus) alongside this
psalm, an alternative response to our reactions emerges. Fully confident in my
relationship with Christ, I trustingly ask my God to show me how He’s
conforming me to Jesus’ image…because that is truly my heart’s desire. He’s not
startled by what has rolled into view, and He’s more than willing to lead.
Doesn’t that kinda make you glad for the jolt? Yeah…me, too.
GOING DEEPER:
1. In confidence, ask the Spirit to reveal something He wants to
clean up in your life.
FURTHER READING:
Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two
sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.
[1] Totally inspired by Andy Gullahorn’s song, “I Haven’t Either”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dajC6g9hU
