March 24, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 26
OBSERVATIONS
Here is a Psalm that I cannot pray. I cannot say ‘I have lived without blame’ or ‘I have never doubted’ or ‘I have always lived by Your truth’.
David is not claiming to be absolutely sinless (though it sounds like it), but that his desire has been to do what is right. He has attempted to live in a blameless, honourable, loving way. He knows he is not perfect, and he knows that he has sinned (did anyone think ‘Bathsheba’?).
He knows that he has failed, but he is asking God to keep him from the destination of wicked, murderous, callous, heartless sinners. He is saying, ‘God I know I am not perfect, but I want to be, I make it my goal to do what is right and good. Please don’t let me end up in the same place as people who don’t try to live good lives.’
He is pleading for grace and mercy.
I guess in this way I can pray this Psalm, but I would clarify what he says. I would not say ‘I have lived without blame’ or ‘I have never doubted’ or ‘I have always lived by Your truth’…
I would need to sound more like the tax collector than the Pharisee in jesus’ parable: ‘God, have mercy on me. I am a sinner.’ (Luke 18:9-14)
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
God sees our heart, He knows the direction and inclination of our motives. He can tell if we love Him and fail, or if we fail to love Him and only go through the motions.
David was not sinless, yet he was a man after God’s heart (see Acts 13:22).
God can see whether we love sin or hate it, whether we welcome it or resist it.
We are not perfect, and we are fools to think that we are. But if we are honest, if we come to God just as we are, He will welcome and embrace us just as we are… and then He will help us to become what He wants us to be.
When the Lord hands down His sentence, it will not be what we deserve, but it will be what we wanted. That is, if in our hearts we are seeking goodness and truth and integrity, in our flawed failing ways, that is what we will receive for eternity, received by grace. But if in our hearts we are more interested in pleasing our selves, leading selfish me-focused lives, that is what we will receive for eternity.
“God will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good. They want glory, honor, and life that never ends. But there are others who only look out for themselves. They don’t accept the truth. They go down an evil path. God will pour out his burning anger on them. There will be trouble and suffering for everyone who does evil… But there will be glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good… God treats everyone the same.” (Romans 2:7-10)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, I can be a man dear to Your heart, but for that to happen, my heart needs to seek after Your heart. I do not earn Your grace, but I do receive it by grace if I seek it with all my heart. Like David did.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
His love is never ending.
Remember His faithfulness.
David’s lifestyle was lived upon these statements. He walked wit God and stayed the Way. In his walk he told of the mighty acts of God. Praise Him all you who are His. Live this day in the light of His presence and stand secure for the Lord God Almighty reigns in David’s life.
Application:
The heart of the matter is where is my heart? It must be all for Jesus and this must be a daily decision. Whatever I do must be for Him. And I must also tell others about His presence in my life – all what He has done for me. In all things, I need to walk with my risen Saviour for He has given me LIFE. In Him I am secure and in Him I am able to tell others of His mighty deeds. Praise Him!
Prayer:
Lead me and guide me this day Lord for it is in You that I can do all things. Help me always to stand up for Jesus,
Praise the Savior now and ever;
Praise Him, all beneath the skies;
Prostrate lying, suff’ring, dying
On the cross, a sacrifice.
Vict’ry gaining, life obtaining,
Now in glory He doth rise.
Man’s work faileth, Christ’s availeth;
He is all our righteousness;
He, our Savior, has forever
Set us free from dire distress.
Through His merit we inherit
Light and peace and happiness.
Sin’s bonds severed, we’re delivered,
Christ has bruised the serpent’s head;
Death no longer is the stronger,
Hell itself is captive led.
Christ has risen from death’s prison,
O’er the tomb He light has shed.
For His favor, praise forever,
Unto God the Father sing;
Praise the Savior, praise Him ever,
Son of God, our Lord and King.
Praise the Spirit, through Christ’s merit,
He doth us salvation bring.