Joel M Bradshaw

3You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
you have tested me, and you will find nothing–Psalm 17

The Hebrew word for ‘tried’ has a meaning of ‘examined.’ The word for ‘tested’ is linked to a goldsmith’s method of refining precious metals. The metal is heated to a high degree and the impurities float to the top and are scraped off. After repeating this process the purity percentage is higher.

This verse stood out to me this morning because it occurs at night. For it is at night when we are most alone with our thoughts. At night the selfish mind ponders fantasies or maintains jealousies. Grudges usually dominate rather than gratefulness. Fears of the unknown seem to be more powerful during this time than faith in what is known. And this is all at night.

So what would God find if he visited your thoughts and feelings at night? I look back at my many past years of hypocrisy and shudder. Even now the temptation is to fall asleep lost in thoughts rather than directing them in a purposeful and helpful manner.

Many people start their day with a quiet time or Bible study. This is what I do and I this daily blog is the result of those morning times with God and a cup of coffee. But a verse like today’s actually reminds us that a quiet time before bed could be just as profitable. I know after I study the Bible I am convicted and desire to be less selfish.

There’s a nightly tool we use in Celebrate Recovery called a daily inventory. We ask ourselves the following questions.

1. How am I feeling today?
2. What did I do right today?
3. What did I do wrong today?
4. Do I owe anyone an amends?/Do I need to offer forgiveness to anyone?
5. If so, how will I do it?
6. What are my prayer requests?
7. What is the next action I need to take for my recovery?

Maybe end your day with a gratitude list. Make sure to date your pages so you can look back and see God’s faithfulness during this season. Direct your thoughts to God before you go to bed and stave off selfish wandering. Remind yourself that what God has provided is enough rather than fantasizing about things you don’t have. Use the precious time before you sleep for God’s glory rather than your own. If God visited your thoughts what would he find?–JMB