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
This psalm serves as a reminder that even the greatest of our religious heroes and models are flawed people. In this psalm attributed to David we hear many reasons why the author is to be vindicated. Yet David seems to forget that he, too, is a flawed human being. Just as my son, interrupted from whatever video game he's engrossed in, peevishly grabs his pile of clean laundry to put away, so our human tendency is to ignore our own faults and grumble rather at those of others.
Yet despite his memory lapse, David is praising the Lord. We are called to do the same whenever we enter into worship, though not at the expense of others. Our sin places us on equal ground with all members of humanity, but God's steadfast love is still present for us. Through Christ, we are no longer subject to the power of sin. Praise God for this gift.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we attempt to elevate ourselves before you at the expense of others. Remind us through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are subject to sin. Point out our transgressions while in the same breath reminding us of forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.