TGFABT – Psalm 26
Asking for Vindication
“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.”
Psalm 26:1
Do I have the right to ask God for vindication? Not until I walk continually in truth.
“…and I walk continually in your truth.”
Psalm 26:3
Walk
- to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
- to die, live, manner of life
In what or with whom do I walk? What is my manner of life?
Continually
- very often; at regular or frequent intervals; habitually.
- without cessation or intermission; unceasingly; always
Before I ask God to test, try, and examine my mind heart and mind I need to verify the vindication indicators.
Vindication indicators:
- Do I walk in integrity? (V1)
- Have I trusted the Lord without fail? (V1)
- Am I keeping good company? (V4-5)
- Do I uphold justice, defending the innocent? (V6)
- Do I regularly proclaim the Lord’s wonderful deeds? (V7)
When we can answer all the above with yes, then we can ask God for vindication. Until then, we have to grin and bear it, hang in there, and do the best we can.
Even, and especially in regard to the one we feel has opposed us.
Truth Tuesday
When I focus on my right-standing vindication is so longer a concern to me. My concern is and should always be: Am I walking in a right-standing with God submitting to the truths He reveals to me.
Word Study
“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”
Psalm 26:3 (NIV)
“Examine me O LORD and prove me try my reins and my heart.” (KJV)
This is what the Gill’s commentary has to say about verse 3. I love it.
try my reins and my heart; the thoughts, desires, and affections of it, as gold and silver are tried in the furnace; and so God sometimes tries the faith and patience of his people by afflictive providences; and this examination, probation, and trial, are made by him, not for his own sake, who knows the hearts and ways of all men; but for the sake of others, to make known either to themselves or others the truth of grace that is in them, and the uprightness of their hearts and ways; and it was on this account the psalmist desired to pass under such an examination.
The highlighted section made me think. In many cases we don’t believe in our own uprightness and are unable to see the grace within because we have allowed the enemy to distort how we view ourselves. Sometimes God examines our heart, mind, and motives so we can see the goodness in us that He sees.
I have found this to me true in my own life. Every now and then God gives me a glimpse into my own heart and motives, the glimpse makes me smile. I get to see how far He has brought me. This leads to praise.
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for God’s whispers and shouts concerning my “issue.” He is so faithful!!! He never gives up on me.
Faith Stretching/Strengthening
God has already given me an opportunity to practice what He has taught me this week. I tried but it backfired. I will get up and try and again.
I loved the “vindication indicators” that Wendy pointed out this week in Psalm 26. Two great questions to ask myself : Do I trust in the Lord without wavering and do I walk continually in His truth. I have a situation that I need to trust the Lord in and know that His plans are always good and perfect. So this was a really good message for me this week. I don’t have a need for vindication rightnow but the indicators apply to my daily Christian walk.
I love the notes in my Bible for verse 12: Too often we complain about our problems to anyone wo will listen and praise God only in private. Instead, we ought to complain privately and praise God publicly. Great truth for today!
I totally agree, Nancy! This message really enlightened me. My truth is I fear I have asked the Lord for way more than he receives from me. This is something I really need to work on.
I think I will print out the “indicators” and place around in several places. It seems these days I need more reminders!
I too need to work on my truths before asking for vindication. Need to quit talking to others and go directly to God. I am guilty of not always doing the things the way I should. Vindication is something to ponder no doubt. Truth is I have enough work to do on myself that only God to help me with. Have a great week Ladies!
Walk continually to be vindicated. So many powerful words to reflect on this week. I have much to work on as I continue to walk in God’s truth!
My first reaction was do I want the Lord to put me on trial? Thank goodness Jesus cleanses us from our sin! That being said, I need to live my life remembering that the Lord sees it all.
Thanks, Nancy, for being diligent with this course study!
I loved the notes Wendy shared for Word study Wednesday, especially this part: In many cases we don’t believe in our own uprightness and are unable to see the grace within because we have allowed the enemy to distort how we view ourselves. Sometimes God examines our heart, mind, and motives so we can see the goodness in us that He sees.
Wow!!!! Isn’t that good!!!! I do often give into the enemy’s distorted view of me instead of God’s! I pray that He help me see me through His eyes!!!
I am thankful that God sees me through His eyes!!!
I am thankful that I am beginning to pay attention to God helping me against my biggest negative force which is how I view myself! Took a big leap this week praising God for nudging me along!