Psalm 26

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Psalm 26

Racheal Arteaga

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life;

I have trusted in the Lord and 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.

It always makes me feel a little more hopeful when I read David’s claims of faithfulness. Although it seems a bit boastful for someone who also had issues with his kids, with hanging out with other women, and putting his men in purposefully dangerous places, it’s vaguely relieving to know that even someone who has a, well, colorful past could still call out to God for rescue and deliverance. 

One of the most powerful phrases in this chapter is right at the beginning: “…I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” 

Oh Lord, what would we do if You were not faithful? Who could ever hope to know You if You responded erratically or inconsistently? Your faithfulness is far more than an empty word—our whole lives hang in the balance of your faithfulness. Thank You for giving us the gift of being able to assume You will come through, to trust that You will respond as You always have. 

On my own, I am unable to claim any kind of holiness or worth, but in Jesus and the plan You’ve created, I can stand on level ground, assured of my place in You, and secure in Your presence. 