Psalm 26:1-12
Q.1. What appeal did David make to God? Why did he expect God to listen to him? What choices did he make in order to please God? Where did God fit into his life? – (Ps.26:1-7)
David was aware of some criticism against him. He appealed to God to vindicate him. This he did on the basis of his lifestyle of trust and integrity (see Ps.26:1). It is fascinating that David could claim that he had walked in integrity and had trusted without wavering … that he had walked in God’s truth (see Ps.26:1, 3b). The only way in which David could have claimed this, was that he knew he was forgiven by God. This knowledge of God’s forgiveness is easier for us to experience who live after Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the Cross. The fact that David could say this, indicates how well he understood God’s covering for his sin. Even for us living today, we often carry guilt from past sins. Paul claims that – David also speaks of the blessing of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works (Rom.4:6). In fact, Paul quotes David’s testimony of experiencing God’s forgiveness in Ps.32:1-2 (see Rom.4:7-8). David constantly lived by God’s truth, and refused to associate with deceivers, pretenders, and those who chose evil (see Ps.26:4-5). He welcomed God’s scrutiny – 2 Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth (Ps.26:2-3). He wasn’t just attached to his religious beliefs but prepared his heart to give worship and praise to the Lord (see Ps.26:6-7).
Q.2. How important to David was worship? Why did he cry out for protection from the wicked? How was he determined to live? For what outcome did he long? – (Ps.26:8-12)
David loved worshiping God. This provided him with strong motivation to keep short accounts with God. He knew that God was glorious, and deserving of his best – O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells (Ps.26:8). We may wonder how a man of God could be swept along with sinners and schemers. David knew his own heart, and that it was possible for others to lead him into a direction where he would never go in his wiser moments (see Ps.26:9-10). The realisation of his vulnerability protected his heart and mind. He longed to be a man of integrity and recognised the need for God’s redemption to make up for his shortfall (see Ps.26:11). He was aware that he stood in a place of safety by staying connected to God and expressed his desire to bless the Lord in the great congregation (see Ps.26:12).