Vindication and Judgement

Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
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. Psalm 26:1-3

I have struggled at times with the proclamation of righteousness by the writer of various psalms but I have just read an interpretation that helps make sense.

The request for vindication does not accompany a proclamation of sinless perfection, on the contrary the writer, David, is asking the Lord to examine his heart and mind. But he is also quick to say 'for your faithful love is before my eyes'.

This shows a heart to love and respond to the Lord and his correction.

The mere fact that David asks the Lord to examine him shows a humility that a sinner would not necessarily share.

There are times when I speak a bit too confidently and afterwards I will chasten myself, yet my God who sees all my motives is a far better judge that I.

I much prefer His correction to my own, I tend to get out the whip on myself, whereas He is gracious and most compassionate. Thank you Lord, amen!

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