The first few verses of this passage raise a good question - do we hold God's Word in such high regard that we can honestly say the things in these verses? Given the statistics on Bible reading among regular church attenders, it seems that many Christians have little regard for or contact with Scripture. The Word can't bring revival, enlightenment, rejoicing and protection if we don't even know what it says.
Verses 12-14 provide some good starters for prayer. We are all talented at hiding certain sins, sometimes even from our own knowledge. We make excuses and justify sin as "not that bad." We indulge in gossip and slander without even noticing it. And even if we don't speak out loud, it's easy to start thinking badly about others when we're frustrated or hurt. Certainly we need to get rid of any blatant sin in our lives, but sanctification does not stop there. There's always some area that needs correction, and God will continue his refining work as long as we let him.
Lord, reveal any hidden sin or false presumption, search my thoughts and guard my mouth, and lead me in the way of righteousness.
Dawn Rutan, Charlotte, N.C.
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