Dare To Be Different
Opening Prayer
Great Lord God, I bow now before You, the Holy God, the only God, the almighty Lord of all.
Read Psalm 26:1-12
[1]Of David. 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How can the psalmist say he's led a "blameless" life?Much of this psalm describes the writer’s single-minded intent to live God’s way. He’s not like people whose ways are crooked or who live contrary to God’s Word. He’s chosen a different way. So what is this? It isn’t about self-justification or the power of a religious life, but rather the importance of a life of worship. The psalm hinges on a few practices that are fundamental to the psalmist’s life. He’s a frequent visitor to the altar (6) so he’s living sacrificially. In this place he is happy to proclaim and speak out about God’s mighty deeds (7). The location for his inspiration is explicitly mentioned: the house of God (8). This reference is not to the Temple but rather to the tented dwelling called the tabernacle. This was where Israel met with God and where his presence dwelt. This was the place of praise and color. David bears witness to its power in his life. The rhythm of worship has shaped him and his desires. May it do the same for us and all God’s people!
Apply
How important to your life is worshiping God? How is that importance evident? How could it be more important?
Closing prayer
Give thanks to the Lord for his church now, and for its rhythms and practices of prayer and worship.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.