Psalm 26

“Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.” (Psalm 26:1, NKJV)

David was often troubled by his enemies. No doubt as the giant-slaying warrior and king of Israel he had many of them! But David also knew that the LORD was his trust, and his confidence was his integrity. The Hebrew word for “integrity” means to be blameless and innocent of sin or guilt. It means that you have nothing to hide. You are the same on the inside as you profess to be on the outside. David knew that he would not stumble because he loved the light. He kept God’s lovingkindness before his eyes and walked in the truth.

David intentionally separated himself from the wicked. He would not sit with idol worshipers. He would not enter the assembly with the hypocrites who concealed their true agenda. He hated the group of schemers and evildoers.

Instead, David went to the LORD’s altar where he openly worshiped God with thanksgiving. He freely and boldly told others of the LORD’s wondrous works. He loved to stay in the LORD’s house like we might love to fellowship with a good friend. Pure worship with clean hands and a good conscience was David’s delight.

Therefore, David could count on God to redeem him and to vindicate him from the slanderous accusations of his enemies. He knew that he would stand strong in any situation because the LORD was his strength.

For these reasons, the LORD loved David, calling him a man after His own heart. This is why I love David and imitate him. He had his faults, as we all do, but he passionately loved God. Do we?

“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15, NKJV)