The character Maverick, the F-14 pilot in Top Gun, and King David had something in common—neither was afraid to take the highway to the danger zone.
Maverick defied authority, often putting himself and others at risk. His reckless maneuvers and tendency to abandon his wingman showed a pride-driven disregard for limits.
King David, however, entered the danger zone out of humility. Unsatisfied with his own self-assessment, he prayed for God’s honest evaluation. David wasn’t afraid of what God might reveal—even if it exposed unpleasant truths. In Psalm 139:23–24, he prayed:
“Search me, O 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.”
Most people today form their self-image by what they think of themselves. David knew he couldn’t fool God. Where better to turn for a brutally honest appraisal of the heart?
David understood that God’s examination might reveal hidden sins or suppressed guilt. But he asked anyway because he wanted reality, not illusion. And he trusted God to reveal it with the love of a Father who gave His only begotten son, Jesus, to redeem mankind (John 3:16). With that assurance, David could walk even through the darkest valleys, confident God was with him (Psalm 23:4).
Praying this “dangerous prayer” can bring long-buried wounds to the surface and force us to confront patterns of behavior we’d rather ignore (Romans 7:19). Yet it is far more effective than therapy, free of charge, and leads straight to God’s transforming power.
For Christians, it doesn’t take tragedy to learn the lesson of humility. It takes courage—the courage to pray as David did: Search me, O God. It takes humility to accept what God reveals, and faith to embrace His loving correction (2 Timothy 3:16).
Here’s the challenge: this isn’t just David’s prayer—it’s yours to pray as well. Are you willing to let God shine His light on your heart, even if it uncovers things you’d rather keep hidden? Are you ready to trade comfort for truth, and illusion for freedom? Only the courageous dare to ask—but those who do will never be the same.
So if you’re ready to step into uncharted territory, take a deep breath. Pray the dangerous prayer. Ask God to search your heart. Then hold on—it may just be the ride of your life.
Praying with you,
