Looking for trouble

Since getting married, we've moved all around the country. And whenever we moved, one of the first things on the to-do list was finding a new healthcare team. And that always included finding a new dentist.

After getting some recommendations and talking with our new friends, we'd pick one. No matter who we picked, or what part of the country we were in, the first thing that every dentist wanted to do was take a full set of x-rays. It didn't matter if we brought x-rays from other places or not, they always, always, always wanted to take their own x-rays.

I once screwed up my courage and asked why they wanted x-rays. Their answer, to my surprise, actually made sense. While they'd look all over each and every tooth from the outside, they really couldn't see what was going on inside. A hidden crack or cavity could be lurking under a filling or crown. There could be problems just below the gumline. The x-ray gave them more information then they could see with just their eyes. That made all the sense in the world.

So, it didn't surprise me when one year later they took x-rays of my teeth again. I again asked why, and their answer made sense again. By comparing x-rays from the prior year, they could see changes to my teeth and gums that they'd easily miss with just a physical exam.

We need to look at life just like a dentist. There are times that we need a good, in-depth look at our life. Not just on the surface but deep down to the roots. What we think is important. How we spend out time and money. Who we hang out with. Someone a whole lot wiser than me once said, "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly”(1).

Every once in a while we need to ask someone we trust to help us look at the life we're living. The choices and decisions we're making. And then, ask us some questions and offer us guidance.

It's one thing to ask a friend for this kind of help. But would we consider asking God for his help with these same questions? After all, God sees everything and there's no hiding from him. And since there are no favorites with God, we're going to get his loving truth.

We go to the dentist for help, looking for advice to avoid trouble with out teeth. We also go to them in times of need. So, it makes all the sense in the world to ask God when it comes to our life.

A wise king once asked God these same questions. If you're looking for some words to ask God for his help, his words are a good place to start.

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(2).

Ask God and see how he shows up.

(1) John 7:24 NLT

(2) Psalm 139:23,24