Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 NLT

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

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 am in church or Sunday school, and when I am thanking God for all He does for me. But sometimes God feels far away, and I don’t know what to say to Him. I know that God is with me, but I don’t always feel Him nearby.

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, or work, or just putting other things before God. I read this Psalm whenever I feel far from God. It reminds me that it is me and not God that’s far away. Then I can pray and talk to God and feel close to Him again.

David shows us that we can all call out to God. Ask Him to search and know our hearts. Ask Him to show us what we need to do and how to follow God’s path for our lives. We can come to God and feel close to 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. I have an activity that you can do this week to remind you how to stay close to God!

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 in your life.

Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NLT Treasure your relationship with God and your heart will be there with God.

Blessings and joy as you are loved and known by God!