Psalm 26 is a song of David. It is titled in my Bible as “Prayer for Vindication”
David presents his case for vindication before the LORD. Despite what his accusers were saying about him, David had consistently walked in dependence on the LORD. He submits himself to God and asks to be tested. “Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind. For Your faithful love is before my eyes, and I live by Your truth.” [vs 2-3 HCSB]
David declares his separation from idolatrous mortals and hypocrites. He says that he hates the companionship of evildoers and the wicked. But the thing David emphasizes is not just his separation from wicked men, it was his association with God.
In verses 6 and 7, David declares that before he approached God’s altar, he made sure his hands were cleansed from sin and defilement. It is then, as a cleansed worshipper, David sang a hearty thanksgiving and recounted the wondrous works of Jehovah.
“I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, Lord, raising my voice in thanksgiving and telling about Your wonderful works.” [HCSB]
To David, worship was not a dreary ritual to be endured, he loved the house of the LORD. He loved being there. He loved singing. He loved “raising [his] voice in thanksgiving.”
I have not been in church for a month. I plan to be there this coming Sunday. I miss “raising my voice in thanksgiving” with others who love my LORD and Savior. I cannot wait to offer a hearty thanksgiving and to recount the wondrous works of the LORD.
