I love to talk to the Lord about what He has written in His word.  Think about it.  How often can you talk to the author while reading the book?  I had read this passage in Jeremiah before but this time He spoke directly to me.

From the journal . . . . May 1990

Jer. 17:10 NIV   “I, the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” 

What an awesome thing! You search the heart and examine the mind – for the purpose of rewarding man for his conduct.  I think I love that.  You know what I think and what I feel, so when I do a thing, You know why.  I love You, Lord and You know how desperately.

And I Believe God Said:

Yes, I know.  I know when you are selfish and I know when you are unselfish. I hear your reasonings and I measure your responses to My words.  You are accountable, but I am merciful.  It is by My great compassion that you are not consumed.  Keep on going but remember that.

Psalm 139:1-6.  O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
² You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
³ You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
⁴ You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
⁵ You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!
 
Lam 3:22 It is through the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

These words of the Lords would be very scary for a person who doesn’t believe or understand His great love and mercy.  Sometimes we do things for the wrong reason, and He knows all about that.  The good news is He has great compassion!  This is why the Father sent Jesus to die for our sins.  It was because of His Great Compassion.