THE SEARCHER

A Word From Karen

April 26, 2022

“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways; and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jer. 17:10).

The heart of every man is searched by the LORD Himself. When He searches, He examines intimately and thoroughly. He is an investigator. He also tries the reins. (Jeremiah 17:10) Understanding Hebrew thought, which is conceptual, can help us know what is meant by “trying the reins.” The reins (H3629 Strong’s Concordance) in Hebrew thought represent our kidneys. Hebrew thought is concerned with function. The western world’s Greco-Roman perspective focuses on appearance.

What is the function of our kidneys? The National Kidney Foundation¹ states:

The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions:

remove waste products from the body
remove drugs from the body
balance the body’s fluids
release hormones that regulate blood pressure
produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
control the production of red blood cells

Spiritually, the reins (kidneys) are a picture of our inner-self, our emotions, our mind, our innermost feelings. If our kidneys are damaged, we can be physically affected in a multitude of ways. Likewise, spiritually, if we have unhealthy thoughts, our damaged belief system may significantly affect our destiny. As we meditate on the Word day and night, our spiritual kidneys are transformed, just as diet and medication can restore the proper function of our natural kidneys.

The Examination Of The LORD

In preparation for writing this newsletter, setting myself apart to enter into the secret place of the LORD, I was directed to Psalm 139. In this beautiful Psalm of David we learn that the Spirit of the LORD searches us and knows us. He knows when we sit down, stand up, lie down and every thought we will ever think during our lifetime. He tries the reins. (Psalm 139:13)

Before I could write, I was shown what was in my heart. Though we may not always like what we are shown, we must receive God’s revelation as a treatment, such as a doctor would treat a patient with damaged kidneys. In consulting with Dr. Dianna Shipley, an oncologist and congregant of Olive Tree Connections, she told me that even acute kidney failure is reversible. This is wonderful news.

The Spirit of the LORD is searching the hearts of His people; He is searching the reins of His people. If the reins (kidneys) are a picture of our innermost thoughts, what we are thinking is going to bring a harvest, whether good or bad. Our natural path, even our chosen thought path will bear fruit in some form…every time!

The Psalmist was bold, perhaps even brave as he went before the LORD and asked, “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” (Psalms 139:23-24).