Psalm 26 reminds me of the bumper sticker, “I am not perfect, just forgiven”. I think there is a basic misunderstanding when followers of Christ express their enthusiasm about being forgiven. Some take that as an expression of moral superiority. I believe we can only fully embrace the forgiveness of Christ after fully acknowledging we are unworthy on our own. Without first confessing our sins before God, there is no atonement and no fellowship with God. Cleaning up our outer appearance does nothing The apostle Paul, after spending a lifetime meticulously following the Jewish law said, “In me dwells no good thing” (Romans 7:18). This psalm begins with what sounds like bragging, but I believe it is David laying open his life before God. He begins, “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind“. And David adds the key to his ability to allow God to be Lord of his whole life, “I walk continually in your truth“. It is much easier to keep God in the center of our day when we begin our day in His Word. David seems to have figured out it is wise to avoid certain temptations. David adds a few specifics, “I do not… consort with hypocrites… refuse to sit with the wicked“. Do you have an area where you struggle? It is wise to create a firm line that you will not cross. As an added layer of protection David creates some accountability, “Proclaiming aloud… all your wonderful deeds“. Do people around you know the reason for your joy?
The psalm ends with a reminder of the radical change that happened on the cross of Christ. In David’s time, there was one holy tabernacle where the glory of God dwelt. In the innermost part, in the Holy of Holies the High Priest was allowed to enter once a year to make atonement for the sin of the nation, the priests and the people. Upon the death of Christ, the veil separating God from man was torn. Now each of us has access to God through Christ our Redeemer. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrew 4:16). David writes, “I love the house where you live… where your glory dwells“. The church is not the building, but the people coming together to praise God and fellowship with His Spirit in unity. The psalm closes with two ideas linked together, “I lead a blameless life… My feet stand on level ground“. In my mind I see his point this way, as the old Hymn says, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross”. Everyone that asks for forgiveness through the blood of Christ is restored completely. “There is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11).
Psalm 27 seems to contrast the times of crisis with the times of rest. In the heat of the battle we don’t have time to think, it is only in the calm that we can ponder our situation. David begins, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? …when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall… my heart will not fear“. David says in those moments, he has only one thought, “That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life“. But what happens in the stillness of the night? Doubt can creep in with worry about whether God is with him, “Hear my voice when I call… be merciful to me… Do not hide Your face from me… Do not reject me or forsake me“. Have you felt that way? As always, David finds strength in the reading of God’s Word, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path“. After spending time reading God’s truth, David can reassure himself and all who read his psalm, “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord“. No one likes to wait, but remember these were also the final instruction of Jesus to His disciples. “I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high“. Where do you go in your idle time? Maybe it’s time to wait on the Lord?