“Search me, 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.” Psalms 139:23-24 NIV

This Psalm was written by King David (of the David and Goliath story). At the beginning of the Psalm, David tells us that God knows each one of us. He knows when we get up and go to bed, what we think, and our words before we even speak them. God knew us and formed us before we were born. Remember our clay pot story from last week? David says each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

Sometimes I feel close to God; like when I see a beautiful sunrise or when I’m lying on my back watching fluffy white clouds float across a blue sky. I feel close to God when I thank Him for my mom and dad or watch my dog run, tail wagging and happy to be alive. But sometimes God seems far away and I don’t know what to say to Him. I wonder if He cares.

I know that it’s not God who leaves me, because He promised to be with me always. I understand that it is me that moves away from God by the things I do that I shouldn’t (sin). Or I seem far away because I get busy with friends, going to school or work, or playing games. I read this Psalm when I feel far away from God. It reminds me that it is me and not God that’s far away.

David shows us that we can call out to God. Ask Him to search and know our hearts. Ask Him to show us what we need to do and to follow God’s path for our lives. We can come back to God and feel that closeness with Him.

This week talk to your parents or your family about when they feel close to God or far away from God. When they feel far away, what do they do to feel close again. Maybe you can all do this week’s activity together!

Fold a piece of paper in half and on one half draw a picture of what you are doing when you feel close to God. Are you in church or out in creation? Are you in your room praying or laughing with your family? On the other half, draw a picture of when you feel far away from God. Are you alone or sad? Are you angry or upset? In the middle of the paper on the fold, draw a heart.

Whenever you feel far away from God you can look at your paper and remember what David did. You can call out to God and ask Him to search your heart. You can feel close again and follow God’s path. Treasure your relationship with God. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NIV

Blessings and the treasure of being close to God!