Inspection

“You have searched me and known me. . .” Psalm 139:1

The sound of some words creates a soothing sense of comfort while some screech across my soul like fingernails dragging across a blackboard. Just thinking about it as I write gives me that feeling. . . and yes, I know my reference to an ancient educational device like a blackboard is a dead giveaway that I’m an aged dinosaur from another time and place-sigh. That’s a different kind of screech for another day.

The word “inspection” is one such screeching word for me. “I’m inspecting you” gives me a shiver. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a dental hygienist poking some sharp metal instrument into my teeth (didn’t our parents tell us to keep sharp things out of our mouths?) or a doctor frowning as she contemplatively says, “hmmm” before verbalizing my fears: “we better check that out.” Or maybe it’s the auto mechanic saying, “We have to fix this before your car will pass inspection” while handing me a cost estimation with a bunch of 3 digit numbers on it.

It’s an odd response because I never balked at testing in school or for sports teams. I guess it’s because those inspections or tests came somewhat on my own terms. They were part of the process of learning or playing ball. I signed up for it and expected it.

But I don’t recall signing up for dental chairs or medical tests or auto mishaps. Those things tend to slip up on me when I’m not looking. They seem to intrude while I’m just living life or driving a vehicle. I’m certainly not inviting a full examination of soft spots to create pain in my mouth, body or pocketbook.

So when I read, “You have searched me” I effortlessly slip into screech mode and begin to flinch and tense up. But as I read God’s message more closely, I begin to relax as I realize His inspection is not to find fault. His inspection is definitely NOT a screech moment; rather it points out how careful the Great God is to care for me. He is a God of infinite detail. He cares about me—every bit and everything in my life.

Instead of the pain of a screech moment I find the pleasure of a sweet moment. God’s inspection is to bring good things to my life. His inspection is a pre-cursor to His blessing. . . then it slowly dawns on me to consider a parallel life lesson.

Inspection means God checks me out to ready me for spiritual health. Similarly my dentist and doctor check me out to continue physical health while my auto mechanic inspects to provide safe travel.

That’s quite a different perspective and prompts a very different response. When I understand the various inspections of life from a more lofty perspective I see the goodness of “You have searched me and known me.” And I can see why David invited the Great God to “Search me and know my heart. . . see if there is any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.”

You know, I’ve been wrong about those “inspectors” called dentists, doctors and mechanics when I thought they were agents of an evil power! No, they are instruments for my good. Hmmm. I wonder what that means about how I view God?

Inspection: it’s a good thing for me. You might call it a Godsend.

You can listen to recordings of Pastor Dan's current and archived  teachings at:  www.covenantlife.net/listen_now