Sunday 15 January, 2017

1 Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. 2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. 5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, 7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

In this psalm, David is humble before God and expresses his need and desire for Him. Although David is also assertive and confident in his requests. This shows that he is walking in faith and has no doubt in what God is able to do.

Whilst I am encouraged by this, I am also challenged to articulate my requests before God with renewed conviction. In verse 12 David says, ‘Now I stand on solid ground”. This declaration of standing on the solid ground of the Lord, follows David’s raw acknowledgement of his need for God. It’s after submission that we stand on firm. The question this brings me to is am I willing to ask God to “put me on trial and test my motives and my heart”? (vs 2).

Lord God, Thank You for redeeming me and giving me solid ground to stand on. Please help me today to be honest before You, and please reveal to me the areas You want me to be more like You in. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Laura Samperi