Knowing Our Hearts

I Thessalonians 2:4
“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”

Proverbs 20:5 says, “A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.” It takes great understanding to know our hearts, minds and motives.
The Lord understands and knows all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
This is comforting and embarrassing. We all have done plenty of things that we are ashamed of. We’ve had thoughts that are also shameful.
Does God’s omniscience prevent us from bad thoughts and actions. It should. If we knew someone was watching, we wouldn’t do (or think) particular things.
Do we believe in a real sense that God sees? If it doesn’t affect our actions, then not much. It might be a mental belief, but one that hasn’t trickled down to our hearts.
We would benefit if we knew our hearts. The Proverbs 20:5 passage describes the one who knows as one with understanding. We have many blind spots. As life goes on, we become aware of them. In Psalm 139:23, David prays for God to search his heart and to make evident any wicked ways.
James 1:24,25 speaks of how the bible gives us insight into ourselves. He compares it to a mirror which allows us to see ourselves. That same passage says that we are blessed if we learn from those insights.
Lord, Your great knowledge blesses us. Help us to stay in Your Word to acquire it and to learn from it.