“Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection”

Summary of Psalm 26:Now, when we’re first reading through this psalm we might be surprised by the wording that David uses. He challenges the Lord to examine him. He asserts that he’s walked in integrity and in God’s truth. There is a way to do this. The way involves understanding the context of each of these psalms. In Psalm 25, David is suffering as a result of his sin with Bathsheba. So, he seeks God in prayer in the context of the guilt and danger that situation would have brought to his life. But here in Psalm 26 the situation is different. It’s very likely that this psalm was written as David was being hunted by King Saul. And so, David then appeals to God for help on the basis of the fact that he did nothing to deserve the treatment he was receiving from Saul. That’s where these appeals to his integrity come from. We might look at those appeals outside of the context and think, “Wow. David is being really arrogant here. He’s acting like he’s never sinned.” But that’s not at all what he’s communicating. He is appealing to God for help in the form of protection from Saul on the basis of the fact that he didn’t deserve to be hunted like an animal. It’s not his sin that has caused his suffering.
Psalm 26:1-12: Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORDand have not faltered. Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.
Father God, thank You for the encouraging and comitted witness we have in the life of David. May I never forget that Your plan and purposes are working out in life for our eternal benefit and for Your greater honor and glory. Even during times when we areassail at times by difficulties, dangers, lacking and disappointments. Help me to cling to You every moment of the day and in all I do and say, may I become a testimony of a life who trusts in You alone. Let me be Jesus to others. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.