Dead Zones

David writes, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts." (Psalms 139:23, KJV). He invites God to look much deeper into his heart, to the very intent of his thoughts which are not always clear to him. Sometimes in prayer we don't know what to say or when we do we are not fully aware of the inner sighs and groans of the heart. God hears regardless to words voiced or not what is really going on in the depths of our hearts and minds.

What is important is that we are willing to lay bare our souls in His presence with nothing to hide or hold back from Him. If we do not let Him have every part of us, it's possible we can be depleted of His life and blessing in those unsurrendered places which result in a certain death.

In ecology oceanographers have noticed zones in the ocean where excessive nutrient pollution from human activities coupled with other factors have depleted oxygen creating "dead zones". In addition, Wikipedia notes, "It might be expected that fish would flee this potential suffocation, but they are often quickly rendered unconscious and doomed. Slow moving bottom-dwelling creatures like clams, lobsters and oysters are unable to escape. All colonial animals are extinguished."

What are the "dead zones" in our hearts that we must ask God to visit? Do you relapse into sinful memories for relief? Do you harbor anger or unforgiveness toward someone? Are you bitter toward God in the way your life turned out? These create dead zones that not only impact your life but the life of others who you come into contact.

Beloved, let's lay hold of His mercy so every part of our heart, known or unknown, is claimed by the Lord. Let's have His life permeate every part of our heart breathing in new life to those places that resigned or died. Remember the Scripture, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38 KJV). You can be sure there is no dead zones in these pure and living waters!