We sometime wonder what it takes to act like a Christian. This psalm provides concrete ways to follow the Lord.
Commentary:
Psalm 26:1. The psalmist appeals to God because of two things. The first is that he has been faithful in his walk. The word walk refers to his conduct. At the very least, he did not do anything that is inconsistent to what God desires. Going beyond that, the psalmist also does not compromise in choosing his friends (vv. 4-5).
The other basis for appeal is the trust he has placed in God. He did not waver in that trust. What is trust? Trust is not seeing the circumstance and change the way we act. We remember that David ran like a dog when Saul chased after him to kill him. David had some opportunities to harm Saul, but he did not do that and even prevented his men from hurting Saul. David trusted God would do the right thing at the right time and would not change his conviction.
Psalm 26:2. The psalmist is so certain of his integrity that he asks God to search his inner thought. This purity in thought is a struggle for many believers. How is David able to keep even his thought consistent with God’s desire?
Psalm 26:3. Our mind does not have a multitasking capability despite what many people thought. When we dwell on one thought, there is no other thought in our brain. Therefore, we can keep our thought pure if we do what David did. The pure thought is to keep the lovingkindness of God ever present in our mind and to think of ways of living out God’s truth in our life.
Gratitude is a powerful feeling to keep us from going astray. The thankfulness comes when we count our blessings daily. The most important blessing and the one that is ever present in Christian is our salvation. Our redemption is a testament of how much God has done to love us out of his character and not because we have been good.
If we occupy our mind to find ways to please God, we will find real purpose in life. Instead of searching for meanings of life, we inject meanings into what we do. Instead of giving ways to the influence of the world, we exude the glory of God at where we are. There is no substitute to be an effective agent of God but through what we do and say.
Psalm 26:4-5. We cannot put ourselves in a compromise situation. These two verses mention about friends. But it goes beyond just people; it also covers the choice of medium we engage in. The entertainment—movies, songs, and television shows—is often what we do at our free time. The psalmist tells how he avoids anything that degrades his walk with God.
Psalm 26:6-7. On the other hand, people of God take positive initiatives to foster our spiritual growth. We take time to celebrate godliness. Worship in private and in public is a great way to celebrate.
Psalm 26:7. Fellowship is an important part of positive influence. Find friends that cheer you on. Share with each other of the great things God has done.
Psalm 26:8. Finally take action to love God. All matter starts with the heart. How to love God? Time is love. Cultivate the heart of loving God by spending time in the house of God.
Psalm 26:9-10. Ask God to keep you safe. God is in control of everything. If we ask, the Lord will protect us from harm.
Psalm 26:11-12. God will protect in two ways. One is the physical protection. The next psalm covers that. The other is the rescue from temptation. If we are faithful in following the advice given here, no temptation will overtake you (1Cor 10:13).
Meditation:
How is your walk with the Lord? Which steps in this psalm that you do well? Which one will you like to improve?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your lovingkindness. We pray that we will walk in faith and be the light of this world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.