Summary

The web content discusses the concept of divine testing as a means of spiritual growth and faithfulness, drawing on examples from King David, Job, and the disciples, and emphasizing the importance of loyalty to Christ and the role of music in reinforcing faith.

Abstract

The article delves into the theme of divine testing as depicted in the prayers of King David from Psalms 139:23–24 and 26:2–3, where he invites God to examine his heart and mind. It reflects on the story of Job, who remained faithful despite extreme trials, and the experiences of Jesus' disciples, who learned about Jesus' timing and faithfulness through their own tests. The author shares personal insights on the impact of music and lyrics, particularly the song "Rejoice in the Lord" by Ron Hamilton, in bridging the gap between intellectual understanding and heartfelt faith. The article also touches on the concept of loyalty, comparing retail loyalty programs to the mutual relationship with Christ, and concludes with the idea that tests are not only evaluative but also instructive, serving to reinforce and deepen faith.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the struggle between rational thoughts and heartfelt faith, noting that doubts produced by the mind can affect one's spiritual walk.
Music is seen as a powerful tool for emotional connection and learning, with the author recommending the song "Rejoice in the Lord" for its ability to convey biblical truths effectively.
The author suggests that Jesus may intentionally delay his presence to allow disciples to discuss and question their faith, thereby strengthening their beliefs.
Loyalty to Christ is presented as a two-way relationship, with the expectation that faithfulness will be rewarded, though not necessarily with tangible benefits like retail loyalty programs.
Tests are viewed positively as a means of reinforcing knowledge and faith, with the author drawing a parallel between academic tests and spiritual trials as methods of learning and growth.
The author expresses the belief that God is present during hardships, perfecting faith while one grapples with difficult questions or circumstances.

Test Me, God

Who prays that? King David did

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139: 23–24,NIV)

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. (Psalm 26:2–3, NIV)

In these prayers, David mentions both his heart and his head. Our heads can betray our hearts — I know that is so true for me. I’m a thinking person and I am often ruled by my thoughts. Many are the doubts that my rational mind produces. Sometimes they affect my daily walk with God. Not proud of that at all.

Job was tested in the most extreme ways. He remained faithful even when his family and friends tried to convince him that God had turned away from him for some inherent flaw in Job’s faith. But Job had something to say about their tempting words.

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10, NIV)

During my teen years, I was in a church quartet. I remember singing a very popular song, “Rejoice in the Lord” by Ron Hamilton. Music is a powerful vehicle for moving ideas from my head to my heart. Emotional connection is an important factor in learning, and I have found music and lyrics are extremely effective in reaching my faltering heart.

Song lyrics can never replace God’s Word. It is still necessary for Christian growth to bury ourselves in scripture. A song like this one, though, with its lyrics so clearly extracted from the Word, reinforces what we know about Him.

I strongly recommend that you listen to it.

Jesus shows up on His own schedule

Jesus tested the disciples too. Remember that time He walked on water? The disciples had been fishing all night, waiting for Jesus to come. He arrived very late nearing the end of their fishing trip. Had they felt abandoned?

Maybe Jesus thought it important that his disciples have time to talk about Him and to question each other about their faith so they could grow together in their walk with God. Such debates would test and strengthen their beliefs because they were defending a point of view or sharing their heart. Asking questions of or about God isn’t a matter of disobedience. Questioning is a great way to learn. What did they learn? Jesus shows up on his own schedule.

Loyalty matters even to God

Do you have any of those retail loyalty cards? Every time you swipe a card, the stores track your purchases. Often, they reward you with coupons, points, and other discounts. It’s a two-way street, right? You spend, they reward!

We know that loyalty to another person is also a two-way street. Being unavailable to a friend in need is hurtful and damaging to that relationship. How could one expect them to show their loyalty in return? Scripture asks us to examine our faith to test our connection (loyalty) to Christ. Jesus may not send us any coupons but being in relationship with Him has many rewards.

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5, NLT)

Did you notice that song title? Rejoice in the Lord and then the lyrics tell us to do that during times of testing and pain. Sometimes it feels like we are in school and there’s a test every day! It’s easier to ask “why” than to give thanks and rejoice.

As an educator, I know that tests are instructional devices. No, they don’t just show what you don’t know! Tests reinforce what we already know and help seal it deeper in our memory.

Is there any greater joy than to be reminded that God is right there holding our hand and perfecting our faith while we struggle with hard questions or hard times?

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2, NLT)

Resource Used: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/treasury-of-david/psalms-139-23.html