“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.” (Psalm 26:2-3)
Read Psalm 26:1–8.
Could anyone stand up and claim to have led a blameless life? Would anyone actually believe them if they did? Yet, this is precisely what the psalmist does as he begins his prayer to God, asking for vindication.
Superficially, this sounds like quite a hypocritical prayer. It’s a bit like athletes being called before a tribunal, insisting they are blameless and have always played fairly — after all, you can just look at their record. Or a politician who has just ousted a previous leader, claiming to act with integrity. It only takes the media a second or two to find incriminating quotes that make claims of integrity go viral.
However, the psalmist confidently asks God to test him and examine his conscience. If we look carefully at verse three, the writer of this psalm can give a compelling reason for his prayer. It is his ongoing trust in God’s unfailing love. It is a love that is always present no matter what happens. God has always been faithful; therefore, the psalmist, in response, is faithful too, praising God and finding joy in His presence. Because the psalmist is walking with the Lord, he is not under the influence of the hypocrites, the deceitful and others who do wrong. In choosing a life of integrity, the psalmist is under the influence of his Lord. It is a life of trust, love and faithfulness.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your unending love and mercy. Keep us from the influence of those who are deceitful, and guide us to lead lives of integrity so that we know the joy of living in Your presence. Amen.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
