Psalm 26:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 26:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Verse 2Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.
Verse 3For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
Verse 4I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
Verse 5I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
Verse 6I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord,
Verse 7singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
Verse 8O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.
Devotion
Wouldn’t you love to be David? Wouldn’t you love to be able to make the claims about his devotion to God; about his strength of character; about his integrity? Isn’t it a relief to know that David wasn’t always of the highest moral character; that his integrity wasn’t always solid; that he did indeed turn from God at times? We can make the same claims that David made because of God’s amazing mercy and forgiveness. God knew the wickedness David had practiced, but God saw deeper into David’s heart. And because God can see deeper into our hearts than anyone else, he can draw out of us what we truly are – creatures created in God’s image. Because God forgives us of our sins that we commit, every moment of every day is a new opportunity to be the great person God created us to be.
Prayer
Lord, you know me inside and out. Help me to make the most of the gifts you have given me as I go about my daily work today. Amen.