Let’s say that you injure your shoulder or your knee and are experiencing a lot of pain. As a result of your injury, you would need to see an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor examines the injured body part but, in order to determine the extent of the injury, he may need you to undergo a diagnostic test called an MRI. The MRI is able to see inside of the body, to see the muscles and tendons that the doctor himself cannot. Once the doctor can see the extent of the injury, he then knows how to treat it to eliminate the pain and restore the function of the joint.
Or, let’s say that your car is acting up, making strange noises or not running properly. Unless you really understand the workings of a car, you take the car to a mechanic. The mechanic may need to use a computer to run the car through a series of diagnostic tests in order to determine what is causing the problems. Once he has that diagnosis, he then knows how to repair the car, eliminating the noise, and restoring the car to good running condition.
If you feel that your spiritual life is not what is should be, that your heart is not right with God, but you don’t really know why, where do you go? You could talk to a brother or sister in Christ, or you could speak to a pastor. They could give you advice, suggestions on how to deal with the problem. But, the best person for you to go to is God. After all, God knows you inside and out (Psalm 139:13-16). He knows when you sit, stand, and lie down, and He even knows your thoughts and ways (Psalm 139:2-3). He even knows what you are going to say before the words leave your lips (Psalm 139:4).
When you are spiritually dry or your heart is far from God, ask Him to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). God does not need any diagnostic equipment to do so. He is the diagnostic equipment! When you ask, He will search you and know your heart. He will try you and know your thoughts. He will reveal anything that is wrong in you and bring it to your attention. He knows what you need and He knows how to bring your heart and life back into alignment with His ways. All you need to do is to ask, and then trust in His ways as He directs your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A Worshiper's Journal 