A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 96

Text: Psalm 26

AN EXAMINATION OF OUR INTEGRITY

The psalmist David knew that if he were to plead that God vindicates him, his claim of integrity would certainly be examined most carefully. Nevertheless he opened his life to the Lord for His examination.

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.” Psalm 26:2

How may we understand this seemingly bold declaration?

1. Not with foolish arrogance

David did not speak these words with foolish pride! That would have adversely affected his petition to God for vindication.

2. With humility and candidness

As far as David knew, he had walked in his integrity. With great candidness and humility David offered his heart and mind for examination!

AREAS FOR EXAMINATION

David must have known the Lord well enough to know how He would conduct His examination.

“For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
and I have walked in Your truth.
I have not sat with idolatrous mortals,
Nor would I go in with hypocrites.
I have hated the assembly of evildoers,
And will not sit with the wicked.”
Psalm 26:3-5

Let us take a closer look at how David appealed to his integrity. He seemed to have divided his understanding of how God would examine him in two categories:-

1. With reference to God

a) Consciousness of God’s lovingkindness

b) Conscious walking in God’s truth

2. With reference to wicked people

a) No fellowship with idolaters

b) No truck with hypocrites

c) No parleying with evildoers

d) No participation with those who practised wickedness

Along these two lines, David was confident that he had indeed walked in his integrity! Did people allege that he was wicked or sinful with reference to the above? David was sure that if God examined his heart and mind, he would be declared innocent.

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~