Examine My Heart

Psalm 26 likely was written in a time of crisis in the singer’s life. Various possibilities have been suggested—Saul’s persecution of him, Absalom’s rebellion, some political crisis, etc. Nothing can be determined for certain. Some suggest it is the prayer of a forgiven sinner who has been treated wrongfully. (Jackson, Wayne. ChristianCourier.com. Access date: June 22, 2020).

An invitation for God to search and to give evidence that David was not guilty of what others were accusing him of doing such as King Saul, Absalom his son, etc. David is like us and when we are blamed for things, which we know we have not done, it then will affect the emotions for each person differently.

Some are more sensitive than others, but also it depends on what the accusations were and how severe they are. I write about this because it concerns to real life happenings in various sceneries. Just as David had an advocate on behalf of whom he turned to; we have one too—God! Whatever may be weighing you down remember God is near to call upon as David had done. God already knows everything about us, the Palmist penned, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar” (Psalm 139:2).

Sometimes, people will say things while grieving, a time when emotions can be like a rollercoaster ride up and then down through its process in no set order going back and forth from emotional behaviors to another such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It may come from our partners, patients, family member(s), or others connected with the patient.

This chaplain is pointing towards the popular catchphrase, “life happens” and sometimes we need a gentle nudge as a reminder that “this too shall pass” and occasionally it may require we take a time out, seek help, and do self-care. “O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me” (Psalm 30:2).  

Through each stage of our lives remember there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes. 3ff), and sometimes they are sad, hurtful, dreadful, but there are also times of happiness, comfort, and excitement! Life is said to be “what we make it”—let us remember to think on the pleasant things above (Colossians 3:2). The obstacles in life can be overcome as we travel toward our destinations, being led with the blessings of God’s providence—being more than conquers we shall certainly overcome (Rom. 8:37)!

Our influence leads others by our examples, it is how we let our lights so shine before others seeing our good works and glorifying God (Matthew 5:16). Life has much to offer and better days await us beyond these days of COVIC-19. Let each of us be examples of hope to our partners—being a shining light to all others in our range of influence such as patients and their families, especially during their time of separation by the visitor restrictions.