Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!
In this Psalm David begins by telling the reader what a great God they have. He teaches that God searched and knew them before they were born. David is in awe that the knowledge of God is too high for him to attain it. He lets the reader know that no one can hide from God. V.7- where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
After David finish acknowledging the power and love of God, he then asks God to search him.
Why does he ask God to search him when he pointed out that God has already done that in the previous verses?
Whenever an individual gets tests done by their physician. They wait for the results so they can know what was found. These results may be discussed in person or viewed using what is called a portal. Once viewed, if there is something found that need treatment or medicine. The patient is then given instructions.
Although David was a man after God's heart, when he sins, he makes sure he stays connected with God through prayer and fasting (Psa. 51- Cry for Mercy; II Sam. 12- Nathan confronts David). David recognizes he falls short of God's glory and is not perfect.
In these verses (23-24), David is asking God to search him personally and share with him what was found. He not only wanted to know what was found, but he asked for guidance on how to get rid of anything and everything that did not glorify God.
Next time you become frustrated, angry, depressed, overwhelmed or out of the will of God. Pray and ask God to search your heart and thoughts and listen for God's response.