The author of Psalm 26 is David. It was written, possibly, during the days of his son, Absalom's rebellion. Absalom was David's third son born who was handsome and charismatic like his father, David. However, he did become bitter as he grew up and plotted against his father to take away his throne. He was known for consistently taking wrong advice. Lessons from his life include knowing that a smart man can get a lot of advice, but a wise man evaluates the advice he gets first. As we read Psalm 26, the theme of this psalm is declaring loyalty to God. If we are genuinely committed to God, we can stand up to opposition and examination.
Psalm 26:1-3 says, "Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."
We can ask God to examine us, trusting him to forgive our sins and clear our record according to His mercy.
Psalm 26:4-5 says, "I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked."
Should we stay away from unbelievers? Definitely not. Although there are some places Christians should avoid, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them.
Psalm 26:12 says, "My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord."
Too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and praise God only in private. How much better it would be for us to complain privately and to praise God publicly.
Psalm 26 / New International Version
ReplyDelete1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
without wavering.
2 Test me, O Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth.
4 I do not sit with the deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O Lord,
7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8 I love the house where you live, O LORD,
the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But I lead a blameless life;
redeem me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great assembly I will praise the Lord.