As you open the posting, first take some time and meditate on the verses that follow. Read them over slowly several times until something catches your attention. Then ponder on what got your attention before you read what I saw in the passage. Then come back to what you saw in the passage throughout your day.
Psalm 26
1 Declare me innocent, O Lord,
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.
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Two things I want to be true of me: 1.) I am always aware of God’s unfailing love for me. I seldom question his love, but I want that continued awareness of how much he loves me to affect my daily life.. 2.) I live with integrity. Again, I believe I do, but I want it to be clearly and consistently true that I always live with integrity. I need God’s help in showing me where I fall short. I want to live it and act it, the same way David says he wants to live it and act it.
So many of these Psalms show David making affirmations, and then shifting gears as he asks God for help. We saw it in Psalm 25, and again here as well. It seems both are okay with God.