Our school just broke ground for a new wing, and when I arrived today they had dug this trench.

One day –pretty grass.

The next day –clumps of dirt and roots.

As I walked by, I thought, Oh look. God’s work in my soul. 

David sings:

Search me, O God,

and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

In other words…

Please, bring a little ditch digger and let’s churn up my peaceful façade. 

It sounds less invasive when you sing it, David.

I’m thinking about wrapping some of that “Caution” tape around my torso, so everyone can see the Lord is working.

Or wearing a button: “Forgive the mess.”

The Spirit of God sure does go digging around –revealing my laziness, impatience, egocentrism. And all that came to light just since I ate lunch yesterday.

The hard thing to remember is “the way everlasting” part. Seems like construction is just digging and demolishing for so long before the brand new structure takes shape.

But the Lord has a plan, and revealing within our hearts what is offensive to him is a means to a great end.

Life.

That is why David would do the ridiculous and invite God’s scrutiny –because he understood the prep work required for the building of an abundant, meaningful life.

So if you feel a bit “dug up”? Be encouraged that construction has started.

It’s exciting.