The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 26:1-12, “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me; test my mind and my heart.
3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I shall wash my hands in innocence, and I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and declare all Your wonders.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.
9 Do not take my soul away along with sinners, nor my life with men of bloodshed,
10 In whose hands is a wicked scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on a level place; in the congregations I shall bless the LORD.”

The cry of the psalmist is focused on the LORD! He has lived a faithful life, and now begs for an evaluation, not only for his external faithfulness, but for his inward life as well. He signals his internal faithfulness to the LORD in that he refuses to “sit with deceitful men.”

Further, he proclaims his innocence and speaks of his thanksgiving in the LORD. His proclamation is not selfish; rather, he includes all who “love the habitation of the LORD, and of His House.” This faithful servant does not boast of his own holiness, but continues to walk in integrity, and begs for the LORD’s redemption. His foot “stands on a level place,” indicating his steadfastness in the ways of his LORD. He does not waver between good and evil.

What this Psalmic servant is, he trusts will accrue to the glorification of his LORD. He establishes a pattern for all who desire to live righteously, and thereby be of praise to the LORD. Oh, that we would demonstrate the LORD in our daily lives! That is something for which we might be truly thankful.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom