Covid19 testing results are often now returned within 24 hours. This is good news. A family member recently had a different medical test done.  This testing required a few weeks for the test results to come in. We are all grateful for the testing procedures our country affords us.

I couldn’t help but think about the verse of scripture that says, “test me” to God. This verse is found in Psalm 139, which speaks of God beautifully and powerfully knowing everything about us. He is a great and awesome God. The writer says, to the God he loves, “test me”, “know my anxious thoughts”, and “see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). This writer is wanting to live to please his God. I am wondering if when we use these words, we are willing to actually wait for the Spirit of God to give us our test results.  Are we willing to linger with the Lord for a few days, or a few weeks, daily saying “investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life”  (Psalm 139:23-24 The Message). In a world, of often instant results, I am wondering if this waiting is something we are both uncomfortable and unfamiliar with.

Test results are meant to assist us.  They tell us what the next steps to be taken are.  They move us towards health.  The Psalmist here says, “test me” and then “guide me.” This test, that the Psalmist invites us to take, moves us towards health and life, the life that Jesus spoke of, “life to the full” (John 10:10).

Covid19 testing reminds me how important it is to wait for the results.  Results will make sure the greater people who surround me in my life are not negatively affected.  The testing and receiving of results is not simply for my well-being.  I wonder how waiting for test results, from the Lord Jesus, would bring greater health and life to our lives, our families, our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, our churches.

This scripture might be one to print out and post in a prominent spot for a few days or a few weeks.  I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the waiting for test results, the God we love reveals something that is meant to be life-bringing. When he reveals to us that which is not pleasing to him it is then we can say, “create in me a clean heart” and “restore unto me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:10,12).

The God who knows everything about us continues to make our lives more beautiful, for our good and his glory. Today, as we sing/say these words, may they become our prayer.  May we invite our living God to test us and then touch us with the beauty that comes from having waited on his results.

320. God Who Touches Earth with Beauty

1. God who touches earth with beauty,
Make my heart anew;
With thy Spirit recreate me
Pure and strong and true.
Like thy springs and running waters,
Make me crystal pure;
Like thy rocks of towering grandeur,
Make me strong and sure.

2 Like thy dancing waves in sunlight,
Make me glad and free;
Like the straightness of the pine trees
Let me upright be.
Like the arching of the heavens,
Lift my thoughts above;
Turn my dreams to noble action,
Ministries of love.

3 Like the birds that soar while singing,
Give my heart a song;
May the music of thanksgiving
Echo clear and strong.
God who touchest earth with beauty,
Make my heart anew;
Keep me ever by thy Spirit
Pure and strong and true.

Cleansing Lord, when you come again as judge of the living and the dead, you will be a furnace of judgement that will consume everything evil and ungodly.  But you will be a refining fire too, with a glowing, purified creation coming from the flames.  Make this world beautiful for you and fitted for your kingdom; purify my heart that I may envision that coming day.  AMEN (Belgic Confession 37).

With care and in prayer,