The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
Proverbs 20:27
God’s persistent search for us is not just so that He might find us – He knows where we are all the time – but that we might find ourselves. The work of God is directed to enable us to see who we are and to understand who He desires us to become – to take an inward look and measure the expanse between the two, and then to move by His power toward maturity.
The word “lamp” refers to the Word of God but also the work of the Spirit who takes the word and applies it to our souls and spirits. The word searches because it is alive and active. “Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).
There are other influences that also search us out – anger and bitterness, for example, can dredge up old injustices, or fear and insecurity can remind us of past failures and feed our sense of worthlessness. But the voice of God that searches our hearts does not leave us hopeless. Conviction will come, but along with the awareness of our mistakes, if they come by God, will be the assurance of forgiveness and the renewal of hope. God searches us to make us better.
It is required of us that we allow Him to do His work, that we meet Him daily in His Word, and that we humbly listen to the Spirit. Trust and faith are seen in that we do not run from His rebuke or avoid His searching – that essentially we trust His heart and His good intention toward us. Let His lamp search you today, and go along as a willing participant on the journey. Let Him show you His love for you, and the potential of your life in His hands, under His direction and tutelage. This is the meaning of His Lordship in our lives.