Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. 3 For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.” ~ Psalm 26:1-3
By saying that he was “innocent”, David was not claiming to be sinless – that is impossible for any human being to achieve. But he was consistently in fellowship with GOD, clearing his record when he sinned by asking for forgiveness. Here he pleads with GOD to clear his name of the false charges made against him by his enemies. We can also ask GOD to examine us, trusting him to forgive our sins and clear our record according to his mercy.
4 “I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. 5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.” – 26:4-5 – Should we stay away from unbelievers? No. Although there are some places Christians should avoid, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them. But there is a difference between being with unbelievers and being one of them. Trying to be one of them harms our witness for GOD. Ask yourself about the people you enjoy: If I am with them often, will I become less obedient to GOD in outlook or action? If the answer is yes, we should carefully monitor how we spend our time with these people and what effect it has on us.
Father help us in choosing with whom and how we spend our time. Examine our motives and affections and reveal to us anything that is offensive to YOU. We ask you LORD to forgive our sins. Keep us constantly aware of YOUR unfailing love for us and help us to live according to YOUR truth.
Photo: Lamoine (Maine)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
