Today we are continuing in our teaching series called “The power of prayer” based on Psalm 139.

Prayer like we find here in Psalm 139 is very vulnerable. It’s a complete opening of ourselves to the Lord.

In Psalm 139 David is inviting the Lord behind the curtain, behind what even David himself knows, to search him, to test him, to uncover hidden sin, and to lead him. As David sought the Lord in these areas, we want to do that as well.

Throughout this series we are exploring and praying these four petitions: Search me, test me, uncover my sins, and lead me.

Today we continue with “See if there is any offensive way in me”

David is inviting the Lord to come in close and have a look at his life.

The word for “see” here is pretty much like it sounds.
To have a look, to perceive, to look closely. To become aware or to realize.

David knows he cannot see his own sin completely, but that the Lord sees perfectly.

We already know the Lord sees and knows everything about us, we learn that in the beginning of this psalm. The point of this prayer is so that David will become aware, that he will have the same perspective as the Lord about things in his life. Even things he doesn’t know about yet…


What David is asking to see are the “offensive ways” that are in his heart.
Some translations say “wicked way” or “Grievous way.” The NASB says “See if there be any hurtful way in me.”

The central idea is that anything at all that might be in David’s heart that is separating him from God, is hurtful to him in their relationship, is offensive to him and his holiness- David wants to know about it.

He cared deeply about Holiness of heart and life, and David had learned the hard way that hidden sin, could cost him big time.

During much of David’s life he was wildly successful in whatever he did. David was chosen by God to be king of Israel, to lead his people in the way of the Lord, to defend the nation, to see them flourish, and that he did with excellence.

2 Samuel 5:12-13 “12 Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. 13 After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.”

At what seemed like pinnacle of his success, what was once a hidden desire below the surface emerged and began to drive the decisions and actions of his life.

The man after God’s own heart has become an adulterer, a murderer. He has broken God’s law, and his heart. Sin that was once well below the surface has emerged to consume David’s life.

Imagine how David’s story might have been different if he had prayed Psalm 139-see if there is any offensive way in me…

He could have spared himself a lot of heart ache if he had only stopped to pray: Lord, see if there’s anything in me, that’s offensive to you, anything upsetting to you. No matter how small of a deal I might think it is, I want to surrender that to you.

While David’s life could have been different, the good news for you and for me is that your life CAN be different.

David learned the danger of hidden sin the hard way, but we have the opportunity to learn from him, and to pray for ourselves: Lord, will you come in and have a close look, show me anything in my life that is upsetting to you, that is hurtful, that is sinful. Come and see, show me Lord, and lead me in the life everlasting.

How about you today? Will you invite the Lord to uncover sin in your life?

You might be wondering: What do I do when he shows me something?

That’s a really important question, because you can be assured that if you pray this with sincerity, that he will show you things in your life. So, what do we do?

1 John 1:8-9 "8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

If we think that it’s not possible for us to be holding sinful desires in our hearts, we are kidding ourselves. But if we will confess our sin, if when the Lord reveals something to us that is offensive to him- rather than brushing it off, rather than saying “it’s just the way I am”, or “I can’t help that”. If we will agree with him in what he finds, if we will confess that he is right, it has no place in our lives- he will forgive us.

And not only will he forgive, but he will also bring healing and purity in our hearts.

Praying and asking the Lord to reveal sin in our lives can be painful, can be frustrating, but it’s the only way we can ever find forgiveness and healing.