Psalm 26 -- Again, God's Perfect Timing For Me

My commentary explained the situation:  “Not all who gathered to worship at the sanctuary were sincere in their walk or their worship, and some of them were openly disobedient, and spread lies about the king.  It was this situation that led to the writing of this psalm.  David makes three requests of the Lord.”

Vindicate Me

From my commentary:  “’Vindicate’ means ‘give me justice, defend my reputation.’  David was a man of integrity, a fact that was affirmed by the Lord Himself.  The people attacking him were ‘dissemblers’ … His life revealed a balance of faith (“I have trusted”) and works (“I have walked”) … When your character and conduct are attacked, it isn’t wrong to vindicate yourself, as Paul did (2 Cor. 10-12), or to ask the Lord to vindicate you.  We aren’t just defending ourselves; we’re defending the name of the Lord whom we serve.  Our vindication is for His name’s sake.”

Examine Me

“The Lord was faithful to His covenant and David was faithful to the Lord.  Though David occasionally fell, AS WE ALL DO, the HABITUAL BENT of his life was toward the Lord and His Word … The wicked came to the sanctuary to hide their sins.  But David went to the sanctuary to worship God and bear witness to His grace and mercy.”

Redeem Me

“David couldn’t stop the hypocrites from joining the worshipping congregation, but he could help from becoming like them; so he asked the Lord to deliver him from THAT sin … The godly must constantly beware of the evil influences of the world and especially of those who profess to love God, but are using religion as a cover-up for their sins.  To remain faithful, we must also ask God to be merciful to us and help us to maintain our integrity.”

Father, You have examined me.  You know that like everyone, I occasionally fall, but You know that the habitual bent of my life is toward You and Your Word.  You know I’ve had to vindicate myself lately.  Please vindicate me for the sake of Your name.  Please show others the truth of these words and restore my joy.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford