Key Verse: “Your lovingkindness is before my eyes.” (Psalm 26:3 NKJV)
1 Clear my name, God;
I’ve kept an honest shop.
I’ve thrown in my lot with you, God, and
I’m not budging.
2 Examine me, God, from head to foot,
order your battery of tests.
Make sure I’m fit
inside and out
3 So I never lose
sight of your love,
But keep in step with you,
never missing a beat.
Reflection: (Psalm 26:1-3)
In asking God to declare him “innocent,” David was not claiming to be sinless – that is impossible for any human being to achieve.
Instead, he was pleading with God to clear his name of the false charges made against him by his enemies.
We also can ask God to examine us, trusting Him to forgive our sins and clear our record according to His mercy.
4-5 I don’t hang out with tricksters,
I don’t pal around with thugs;
I hate that pack of gangsters,
I don’t deal with double-dealers.
Reflection: (Psalm 26:4-5)
Should we stay away from unbelievers?
No, although Christians should avoid some places.
Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them.
There is a difference, however, between being with unbelievers and being one of them.
Acting like unbelievers harms our witness for God.
Ask yourself about the people you enjoy: If you are with them often, will you become less obedient to God in outlook or action?
If the answer is yes, carefully monitor how you spend your time with these people and their effect on you.
6-7 I scrub my hands with purest soap,
then join hands with the others in the great circle,
dancing around your altar, God,
Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs,
telling God-stories.
8-10 God, I love living with you;
your house glows with your glory.
When it’s time for spring cleaning,
don’t sweep me out with the quacks and crooks,
Men with bags of dirty tricks,
women with purses stuffed with bribe-money.
Reflection: (Psalm 26:8)
God’s sanctuary in this verse refers to either the Tabernacle in Gibeon (the one constructed in the days of Moses; (See Exodus 40:35) or the temporary dwelling David built to house the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:17).
David exclaimed how he loved to worship God at this place.
Do you love to worship?
11-12 You know I’ve been aboveboard with you;
now be aboveboard with me.
I’m on the level with you, God;
Reflection: (Psalm 26:12)
Too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and we praise God only in private.
Instead, we ought to complain privately and praise God publicly.