"When we are unjustly condemned by men, we may appeal to God, and call the appellation, and seek and expect a more just sentence pronounced and executed by God; we may say, 'Let my sentence come forth from thy presence.' Sincerity of heart giveth boldness to a man to present himself to God, to be examined, after that the conscience, in its private trial of the man's carriage toward the adversary, hath, in the sight of God, absolved him." – David Dickson (1583-1662)
Last night, I awoke in the middle of the night (which means very early morning) and realized there was a literal storm in progress. At the same time, my mind went to thoughts of some storms of the spiritual sort. When I am condemned for believing and speaking truth, the only way my heart can rest is to go to God and ask Him to examine my heart of the criticisms flung at me. I ask the Lord to search my heart – to prove my heart. He will not lie to me, for He is Truth. He may reveal to me a deception in my thinking; he may show me a more excellent way to speak His truth; or He may simply assure me that He knows I presented truth as He led me to, and He will take care of oppressors. This heart proving gives me courage to go on and restraint to guard my mouth from sinning – which will give glory to God, allowing Him to execute judgment.
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." – Psalm 115:1
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." – Psalm 139:23-24
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