for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth.
4 I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites.
5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O Lord,
7 singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
8 I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
9 Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
10 Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
11 But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
12 Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Psalm 26
Key Verse: “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” Psalm 26:1
David is appealing to God for support in his battles. Often mistreated and misunderstood, David has chosen to continue to walk in God’s truth.
Has anyone ever attacked you and painted a false picture of you? How did you respond? David did not resort to deception, revenge, slander, or hatred.
Surrounded by bloodthirsty men, David continues to praise God and distance himself from any forms of hypocrisy. Are you ever tempted to try to get revenge or maintain bitterness in your heart?
Trust God to bring justice, to have the final say in the matter, and to see and reward your good decisions. Be encouraged! It is simply a matter of time before God brings vindication in your situation.
Read more by Pastor Jesse Bradley in Old Movies – Time in the Psalms
Jesse Bradley is passionate about helping people discover the grace of Jesus- both in practical and eternal ways. He serves as Senior Pastor of Sebastopol Christian Church in Northern California, with degrees from Dartmouth College and Dallas Theological Seminary. Once a professional goalkeeper in Scotland and Zimbabwe, God redirected him into ministry through a life-threatening illness. He is the author of Rooted In Grace and A New Season. Jesse and his wife, Laurie, have three children.
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