Psalm 26

1 Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
without wavering.

2 Test me, O LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;

3 for your love is ever before me,
and I walk continually in your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O LORD,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 I love the house where you live, O LORD,
the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But I lead a blameless life;
redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

David, the psalmist, started the psalm with such confidence. He actually asked God to check out and examine his life, his heart, his mind and his walk. He believed that God will be pleased with him. How many of us dare to be like David and asked God of the same thing?

Actually, to be honest, the more we read the Bible, the more we will find flaws in ourselves. The Bible is like a mirror. It reveals who we really are. And it reminds us of how far we are away from God's idea of perfection.

Hence, how could David claim that he was blameless? I think it's because of his close relationship with God. His heart's desire was to love God and glorify Him. Even though he might have committed sins, he knew that God's forgiveness was always there. He knew, without a doubt. He trusted and relied on God.

David put his whole weight onto the Lord.

It's been more than twenty days into the Year of Sabbath. I've been consistent in the reading of psalms daily. And as I read, I began to realise what a wretched and sinful man I am in this world. The character flaws that I have (for example, talking uncessarily, slandering, self-centeredness) have been revealed to me more and more.

I want to learn from David. I want to put all of my weight onto the Lord. All the sins. All the burdens. All the worries.

O'Lord, take it all.


Things to ponder
1. How faithful have you been in reading psalms since the start of the year? Rate yourself from 1 to 10 (10 being the best!).
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you some of your character flaws. Go for at least 2 and elaborate on each of them.
3. Pray and ask God to forgive you of your flaws. Pray also and ask God to help you overcome these flaws. Look to Him and rely on Him 100%!

Click here for Pastor YC's reflection on Psalm 26