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 in his life? – (Ps.26:1-7)
David was aware of some criticism of him. He appealed to God to vindicate him. This he did on the basis of his lifestyle of trust and integrity (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 (Ps.26:1, 3b). The only way in which David could have claimed this, was that he knew he was forgiven. This knowledge of God’s forgiveness is easier for us who live after Christ’s atoning sacrifice, to have. 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’s claim that – David also speaks of the blessing of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works (Rom.4:6) … though staggering, is absolutely correct. David constantly lived by God’s truth, and refused to associate with deceivers, pretenders, and those who chose evil (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 didn’t just ‘go to church’ but prepared his heart to give worship and praise to the Lord (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 (Ps.26:9-10). He longed to be a man of integrity and recognised the need for God’s redemption to make up for his shortfall (Ps.26:11). He was aware that he stood in a place of safety and expressed his desire to bless the Lord in the great congregation.