I is for Interrogate

Hear me out tho!!!

When I originally wrote this, the letter I was for Interview God. And I liked it at first. But I asked a writer friend, who happens to be a lawyer, what another word would be for the letter I in my F.A.I.T.H. acronym. I said it has to replace the word “interview” and still begin with an I….BUT…it has to have the meaning where you sit and ask the Lord to show you your heart. Where you are sort of “interviewing” the Lord so to speak; asking Him to show you what needs confessing in the depths of your heart and on the doorstep of your soul. A kind of question and answer about “how’s your heart” kind of thing.

I told her it has to be a practice….an action…a “thing” you do with the Lord.

And her response was, “In the legal world we call that Interrogation, Shannan!”

My response was, “WHOOOOOAAAA! THAT is almost scary!! But I think I love it!” And so here we are….I is for Interrogate!

I – Interrogate

Initially, I was for Interview.  Interviewing is usually a two-way conversation.  But that’s not what I was after – not this time! 

If we want to hear from God, we are going to have to quit talking long enough to listen! Psalm 46:10 states, “be still and know that I am God…..” This is a time when you are going to sit in silence and be in the presence of God.  Sit and listen for the powerful, yet soft, still, voice of the Lord. It’s not always audible but we can know what He is saying; let Him speak into your heart. Let Him show you where you need to ask for forgiveness.  Let Him show you your failings.  It won’t be easy, and it won’t be pretty. But, it is necessary.  

Several years ago, I learned a profound lesson in letting the Lord interrogate my heart. I put in a new worship CD for a 2 hour drive home and was ready to worship and sing all the way. As I pushed PLAY, nothing happened. I pushed play again. Nothing.  I ejected the disc and started over.  I pushed PLAY several more times.  Still nothing.  I laughed. “OK God…you’ve got my attention.“ Nothing.  Silence.  I listened.  I drove.  Miles passed.  So, I asked God, “What do you need from me? Interrogate my heart, O Lord.” A soft nudging and knowing in my spirit, “You can’t worship without confession.” 

I spent the next 20 miles letting Him show me my heart; crying and confessing about a certain situation in women’s ministry.  It had been an ugly cry; but a holy confession.  I stopped for a bathroom break, washed my face, got back in the car and guess what? The music blared! 

“Yes, Lord. I hear you….confession before worship.” 

Are you willing to pray, “Interrogate my heart, O Lord“?

What has the Lord shown you? Share in the comments! I’d love to know who He is working and moving through you!