God is everywhere, so we are taught, so how is it possible to stand anywhere but in God’s presence?  God’s presence, for the Jewish believer, was most fully experienced in the temple.  God’s presence is connected to a relationship with God.  As one got closer to the Holy of Holies, experience of God became more intense.

Today, through Jesus Christ we experience that proximity in our day-to-day lives without needing to be on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Psalm 26

Of David.

 ¹ Vindicate me, LORD,
   for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
   and have not faltered.
² Test me, LORD, and try me,
   examine my heart and my mind;
³ for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
   and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

 ⁴ I do not sit with the deceitful,
   nor do I associate with hypocrites.
⁵ I abhor the assembly of evildoers
   and refuse to sit with the wicked.
⁶ I wash my hands in innocence,
   and go about your altar, LORD,
⁷ proclaiming aloud your praise
   and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

 ⁸ LORD, I love the house where you live,
   the place where your glory dwells.
⁹ Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
   my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
¹⁰ in whose hands are wicked schemes,
   whose right hands are full of bribes.
¹¹ I lead a blameless life;
   deliver me and be merciful to me.

 ¹² My feet stand on level ground;
   in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.

Questions

1. How does the psalmist support his plea for vindication?
2. What can the psalmist gain by submitting himself to divine examination?
3. On what grounds can the psalmist express confident expectations?
4. How do you grow toward living a blameless life?
5. When do you feel most confident?