Psalm 26
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
- Psalm 26:2-3 ESV
The heart of Psalm26 is the desire to worship God in integrity. It is a heart cry for vindication in the face of false charges/misunderstanding. The Hebrew word to vindicate usually means “ to judge”- whenever we judge ourselves we are mostly correct with the outcome of our own judgment. In verse 1 & 2 of Psalm 26, we hear the voice of a forgiven sinner declared righteous by the Lord, yet going through life’s challenges coupled with undeserved evil, asking the Lord to vindicate him.
In Vs.3-4, the Psalmist asks GOD to examine him thoroughly. Using words like- prove me, try me, test my heart and my mind shows his genuineness to see himself without blame. As we sojourn through this part of life on earth, self-examination and dependency on God’s divine scrutiny is of great importance. Its easy to defend ourselves to prove our position. But our thoughts, motivations, affections are to be placed before the Lord and examined, whether right in His sight. The searchlight of God’s Word within us reveals our hidden motives. No matter how perfect we may be in our own eyes, our vindication must always come from the Lord especially in situations where there are great misunderstandings.
Most times we are with the opinion that when we are serving the Lord with all our mind, body and soul nothing happens to us that makes us feel bad or disappointed. The Psalmist David did not only express his heart of openness to the divine intervention of God in his situation, but also talked about the loving kindness of the Lord that is always before his people and the authenticity of the truth of His word. “For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.” Psalm 26:3 [NLT]. In the midst of trying times, David puts his trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.
In V.11 the Psalmist says: “But as for me I will walk in my integrity, redeem me and be merciful to me.” Despite the unpleasant happenings around him, David tries very hard to comfort himself by reaffirming his faith and confidence in the Lord. Those who do evil, the wicked are not his portion of friends. He proposed not to turn back to the old ways of life by not going to the evil place, but to wholeheartedly trust in the Lord and walk with Him in integrity. “I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.” (V.5 NLT)
We may be quick to become disheartened at difficult times and in the midst of misunderstanding; but we can take lessons from the Psalmist of his attitude of trust in the steadfast love of the Lord for him and his affirmation to continue to walk in integrity. Thus David has the confidence to pray for God’s mercy and redemption and looks forward to declaring His praise in the midst of the assembly of God’s people. May we also lean on the Lord to walk before Him in uprightness being assured of His timely intervention in our lives that we too can sing His praise!
Prayer: Almighty Lord, Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty; but empower me to walk in your truth for your glory. In Jesus name.
Listen: 'Christ is enough'
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