26 May 2024 - Psalm 26

Doing the right thing when you've done wrong

David suffered from undeserved wrongs, and it was painful for him to endure. Yet, he chose not to retaliate.

Psalm 26:1(TLB) Dismiss all the charges against me, Lord, for I have tried to keep your laws and have trusted you without wavering.

Psalm 26:1(NLT) Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Psalm 26:1(AMP) Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering and I shall not slip.

How could David say so confidently: I have walked with integrity? What kept him upright? What enabled him to do right when he had been wronged? From David, we can learn simple steps to ensure that we too can act rightly when wronged.

*Talk to God about it - Psalm 26:2(AMP) Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my heart and my mind. When wronged, make it a point to converse with God.

*Remember God’s loving faithfulness - Psalm 26:3(AMP) For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.

*Refuse to heed the advice of evildoers - Psalm 26:4(AMP) I do not sit with deceitful or unethical or worthless men, Nor seek companionship with pretenders (self-righteous hypocrites). I hate the company of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.

*Keep your actions pure, your heart grateful - Psalm 26:6-7(AMP) I will wash my hands in innocence, And I will go about Your altar, O LORD, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders.

*Delight yourself in the Lord through praise and worship - Psalm 26:8(AMP) O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.

*Uphold your integrity - Psalm 26:9-11a(AMP) Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, Nor my life with men of bloodshed, In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;

*Seek God's deliverance - Psalm 26:11b(AMP) Redeem me and be merciful and gracious to me. And what is the result? Adopt these steps, and you'll find assurance in Psalm 26:12(AMP) My foot stands on a level place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.