The Separated Life of the Believer
Life for those who trust in the Lord can be difficult. There are many people who will constantly berate, criticise, and condemn us at every opportunity. It is hard to live out our calling to live a holy life in the midst of temptation and opposition (1 Pet 1:16). David experienced this difficulty during his life, and writes about it in Psalm 26. In this psalm David Requests God’s Vindication (1-2), He Affirms His Righteous Life (3-10), and Resolves to Remain Faithful (11-12).
David begins with a request that God would show everyone that he is living a life pleasing to the Him. Though he has many detractors, he appeals to God for a true evaluation and verdict on his life (1-2). He declares that he has lived a “whole hearted” life, not sinless, but without apostasy. God knows his heart, and he asks God to “examine,” “try,” and “test” him. Brethren, David is “a man after God’s own heart,” in that he continually lived a life of worship and devotion to God. Yes, he stumbled and sinned, but he persevered in his faith to the end.
David then affirms that he is living a faithful life (3-10). He states first of all that he is continually thinks of God’s covenantal love as he lives obediently to the truth (3). David meditates constantly on the truth of God’s faithful covenant love. This is his motivation for his obedience to God’s word. It is God’s word that directs his life and instructs his heart. Brethren, when we face opposition for the sake of Christ we must keep the nature of God’s love for us at the forefront on our minds, and let His love motivate us to wholehearted obedience to the Scriptures.