Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you. I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds. O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides. Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty, those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord. (Psalm 26, NRSV)
I have to be honest when I read this Psalm I am struck by the hypocrisy of it. It sounds like a Pharisee who knows he is in the right with God and others around him are wrong. It sounds like a self-righteous person telling God that they are in the right and God should know that. I do all the right things, so do not cast me away for I am a saint and do not belong with the sinners.
I cry out to you o Lord, help me to put my trust in you and not to know that I am right or a saint. But to trust in the fact that even when I stumble and fall your mercy still makes me right with you. Help me to show my faults so that the world may see your love for me and know that your love is all encompassing.
aSacredRebel 