Psalms 26
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Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.
Public Domain KJV text from Wordproject.org
Psalm 26:1-12
I Will Bless the Lord
Of David.
1Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
4I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
6I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
7proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
9Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.
ESV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
Psalm 26:1-12
Psalm 26
Of David.
1Vindicate me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.
2Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
4I do not sit with the deceitful,
nor do I associate with hypocrites.
5I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,
7proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8Lord, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
9Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
10in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11I lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
12My feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.
NIV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
Commentary
There's something about walking into a cathedral that seems to overwhelm me. A few years ago, on a mission trip to Cuba, our evangelistic team had the chance to tour one of the many cathedrals that dot the island. As we entered, I felt my insignificance as I looked up at the high vaulted ceilings ornately decorated with icons of Bible heroes.
Our group assembled towards the front and began to sing a simple tune, "It Is Well," in Spanish. The words filled the space, passers-by stopping to look and hear (not sure if we were that good, or that bad. Probably the latter). Harmonies and words to God's glory filled the quieted sanctuary. As the last notes fell silent, I felt God's presence press close to us.
In Psalm 26, David the psalmist describes a similar experience. He enters the sanctuary making this declaration, "I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells," and is totally overcome by his unworthiness. He settles back, embracing the presence of God, letting his praise and thanksgiving rise. In that moment God comforts him and he declares, "Redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on a level place; in the congregations I shall bless the Lord." When you're tempted to feel unworthy, seek the presence of the Lord. Call on Him with thanksgiving and praise. He will be with you.
Michael Gibson
Young Adult Pastor, Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, Texas USA (as of this writing)
