Psalm 26

As we read the lamenting words of Psalm 26, we feel the personal and intimate nature of David’s plea to God. When I read this Psalm, I feel like I have stumbled upon David’s private prayer journal that was meant for his eyes only and am reading him share deep feelings of hurt, despair, desire, and dependance. He seems a little frustrated with his current circumstances and pleads with God to act on his behalf.

Please do not allow the intensely personal nature of David’s communication with God be missed. David is speaking to God in a way that demonstrates his vibrant and active communion with God. Through his writings, we see that David does not believe he is speaking into the air with no response. God is responding and guiding David’s understanding.

David begins Psalm 26 with a direct appeal to God to act on the his behalf. This is not a claim of sinlessness, but rather a plea to be cleared of false accusations or to have his right living recognized. David believes he has walked in integrity and trusts God to confirm this. David does not tell us the specific situation that led to this intimate lament, and while David was far from the perfect person or perfect king, we do know that he faced deep hardship due to false accusations, mistreatment, persecution, and rebellion. For example, when David was being pursued by King Saul, he was frequently slandered and accused of rebellion or ill intent. David consistently maintained his integrity though in his relationship to Saul and places his trust in God.

Certainly, there is strong application from Psalm 26 to live with integrity and trust God for His justice when mistreated. Also, I would like us to look at a couple of other aspects within Psalm 26 that instruct us as we attempt to maintain a life of Godly character and integrity.

Psalm 26:4-5

“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. 
I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.” 
- Psalm 26:4-5

David seems to be living in a time or location where evil individuals have significant influence. In Psalm 26:4-5, he proclaims that he keeps a far distance from them, and he contrasts his own conduct with that of "evildoers," "deceitful men," and "hypocrites" (verses 4-5). He is living and leading in an environment where corruption, falsehood, and ungodliness are prevalent, making his commitment to integrity all the more significant and perhaps even putting him at odds with some of the powerful. He concludes verse five with a resolute commitment. In the lunchroom of ancient Israel, David seems to be sitting alone.

Psalm 26:6-10

"I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord,
 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.
Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes." - Psalm 26:6-10

David resists the wicked, but then he tells us how he does spend his time and even his relational energy. He loves to worship and be in the presence of God. He avoids the presence of the wicked but loves God’s presence. I bolded his statement from Psalm 26:8 where he states his love for God’s house, the place of worship.

David educates us on a pattern to live. When I cut off the time and opportunity that evil and wicked influences have on me and instead, focus my energy and time in the presence of God. Then, Psalm 26:12 becomes more true for my life.

“My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.” - Psalm 26:12

As you consider Psalm 26, and David’s intentional time with God versus allowing evil people to influence him, who or what influences you? Certain people? Social Media? Scrolling? Cable News? Politicians? Celebrities? Money? Pornography?

Actively shift your focus to love the presence of God and His influence.