Separation From the World
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 (1-2).
David then affirms that he is living a faithful life (3-10). He states he keeps himself separate from worthless men, hypocrites, and evil doers (3-5). Brethren, our separation can result in loneliness at times (Jer 15:17). It also will stir up the ungodly in anger to bad mouth you, because they cannot understand why you don’t pursue the same excesses they crave (1 Pet 4:4). As David keeps himself from evil, on the flip side he draws near to God (6-8). He loves the Lord’s house and the Lord’s people.
David ends this psalm with a resolve to remain faithful to the Lord (11-12). He says he will continue to go on in his whole hearted devotion to the Lord. His petition here at the end is the same as the beginning. He stands with the people of God and resolves to continue to trust the Lord. Brethren, our walk with the Lord is about steadfast trust in the Lord in every aspect of our lives. Times will be tough, but God’s sustaining grace is given to His people to endure and live faithfully.