A lot of times, we could be so engulfed with the issues of life that we may easily miss the things that are most important. It is helpful that as individuals, we examine ourselves periodically to see if we are on the right path in our lives….every aspect of it. One of the ways to hear God is through introspection. While you reflect on your life, God would tell you something and it could be what you need to start doing or stop doing.
In Matthew 13:22, the seed that fell among thorns represents people who hear the word but the worries of this life choke the word, making it unfruitful. We could be doing so much and yet be achieving nothing if we don’t focus on what is important. Activity does not always mean productivity.
What does it mean to be introspective? Examining and observing our mental and emotional processes. It’s often said to forget the past but taking stock of life lived so far is beneficial to take corrective measures.
Looking back at the past must be done with the aim of correcting wrong actions not brooding over mistakes.
-The Word in Clarity
In the opening scripture, the writer asks God to search him, know his heart, try him and know his thoughts and see if there is a hurtful way in him, then finally lead him in an everlasting way. He mentions heart, thoughts, and way. The way you choose to go in life is a result of your heart and thoughts.
In a season like this, with so much happening around the world, self-examination is key. In 2020, when the world was hit with a pandemic and everything was still, it was amazing how I easily heard God when He spoke. Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of life could be a hindrance to your walking in God’s plan because you’re always on the move but when you’ve got to stay home, it can be a great opportunity to connect with God better and get to know what He wants you to do. The devil could also find work for idle hands in such a time. The choice is ours.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Bible says, Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you- unless, of course, you fail the test? Think deeply about your life so far and allow God to make known to you the way forward. You are either going to be better or worse after this period of change the world has gone through and it will depend on you.
Many times, people are in a hurry to pray without thinking through what is going on. Sometimes in that thinking, meditation, or introspection, you can receive a revelation from God that will guide you to pray the right prayer that deals with the root cause of the problem. One reason for unanswered prayer is the fact that people lack a foundation concerning what they are praying about. They just pray amiss. You must first know what the problem is and what’s causing it before you can be effective in the prayer. It may be an attitude you personally have that perpetuates that effect.
It is important to check ourselves as often as possible to see if we are still on track or have veered off the path God has for us. You could be very active in church but are missing the core – a relationship with God. You could be doing good to people but having the wrong motive. You could look good on the outside but you know what you are dealing with when no one is around.
I remember once while I was doing my laundry, I was just randomly thinking about some things and a thought just came to me on what I needed to start doing. That night and the next day, while listening to some messages on youtube, the speakers talked about that same thing and I knew that God wanted me to actually do that thing.
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” There is a knowledge that comes to you only in the moment of stillness or being quiet. That’s why I am amazed when some people are always talking and don’t know when to be quiet. Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. God speaks in silence too and we must learn to listen before we speak.
The Word In Clarity 