I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord (Psalm 26:12, NLT).
The first Psalm that I memorized was Psalm 25, and soon after, I memorized Psalm 27.
Psalm 25 and Psalm 27 have been my “go-t0” chapters of the Bible as a follower of Jesus. I’ve received help from the following two verses of these chapters for decades . . .
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands (Psalm 25:10).
and . . .
The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
Okay, time for confession, repentance, and perhaps some groveling on my part.
With Psalm 25 and 27 as two of my favorite Psalms – I’ve ignored Psalm 26. But while studying Psalm 26 before writing this blog, I realized that I needed to up my game with it.
Why?
Psalm 26 is prophetic for end-times living. Our culture now experiences vengeance, vindictiveness, and outright violence. The Bible teaches that tribulation producing even more vengeance, vindictiveness, and violence will increase until Jesus returns.
Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering (Psalm 26:1).
Psalm 26 teaches how to be innocent in the midst of evil. Jesus tells us that we are to be shrewd as serpents but innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). How do we live without fear in the midst of trials today? How do we allow our light to shine when falsely accused?
Psalm 26 says . . .
First, examine our motives. Allow God to test our hearts. Do not be quick to jump to conclusions or judge others — our problems could be our fault.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart (v. 2).
Second, always be aware of God’s goodness. This is a general theme of “always” in the Bible — always praise and be thankful — both of which cast aside our doubt and discouragement.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth (v. 3).
Third, watch your friendships. To use an expression from my hippie days — negative people are such downers! This principle also applies to false teachers and ego-centric leaders.
I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked (vv. 4-5).
I love what King David did when others attacked him . . .
I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells (v. 8).
Let’s seek God’s Presence. When I can’t understand why something happens, when others criticize, and when evil spreads without interruption, only one place is secure . . .
The Presence of God. That’s solid ground.
I upping my game with Psalm 26!