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Psalm 26 (ESV)

¹ Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
² Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
³ For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.

⁴ I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
⁵ I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.

⁶ I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
⁷ proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.

⁸ O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
⁹ Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
¹⁰ in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.

¹¹ But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
¹² My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.

REFLECTION:

1. The “blameless” life is not life without sin. It was a deep inner dedication to God that found expression in a godly way of life.  It is rooted in the habits of faithfulness (vv3-5, 11; ref Ps. 1) rather than momentary piety. It is the life of a person who seriously seeks God. This life reflects the humble, yet confident, peace. This person despises evil and embraces godliness.  This person worships God and delights in a closer “walk” with the Lord. He/she delights in coming to God’s house for worship and praise.
2. This life is marked by unwavering trust in God (v1), and by constant love for Him (v3). It is expressed by daily obedience to God’s truth (v3), with rejection of the wicked as well as wickedness (vv4-5). This person loves coming to God’s house to worship and praise (vv6-8). How does your life compare?
3. Ask God to help you to live a “blameless” life.

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

HYMN:

I Love the Place Where God Dwells – www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQcPUxSFwx8