Psalm 26:2: Examine My Heart

Hi! I'm Gail and I write 1-minute devotions for Bible Love Notes. Because creative journaling has enhanced my quiet time, I'm writing some journaling posts that don't go out to my regular subscribers.

Sometimes I like to look at a verse in several different versions to get a fuller understanding of it. 

Psalm 26:2:
♥ Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind (NIV)
♥ Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. (NLT)
♥ Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind (ESV)
♥ Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.(KJV)

The KJV really threw me at first. The Hebrew word used in this passage can be defined literally as "kidneys" or "reins," but the same Hebrew word is sometimes used figuratively to mean the mind.

The other translations chose its figurative use since the sentence also includes "heart."

I thought the NLT put an interesting twist on "test me" by saying "Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me"

Creative Tips:  In some cases, the images I use do not specifically match something in the verse (e.g. the flower), but while I am drawing, I ponder the meaning of the passage.

If you like creative journaling, I recommend my friend Judith's Facebook group: Jesus Journaling.

I also recommend my book Wisdom for Life. It has blank space after most of the devotions where you can journal. Check out the great sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.