Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart. (Psalm 26:1-2)
It’s a mighty courageous person who prays for God to test them because, in time and in ways we don’t expect, He will put us to the test. Perhaps we should also consider that to pray a such a prayer means the person is very confident in how they have conducted themselves before God, perhaps justifiably so. Or it could be they have convinced themselves they are truly committed to Him come what may, even though they haven’t been put to the test. In discussing this, I can’t help but think of Peter who told Messiah, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You” (Matthew 26:35). Of course, we all know how that turned out — Peter discovered some things about himself that only pressure and testing could bring to light.
David discovered this to be true as well. After falling into sin with Bathsheba, the humble and courageous shepherd realized he had flaws that needed to be revealed and overcome. In this case, he was tested and came up short. That being said, it is believed David wrote this particular psalm in the aftermath of all that happened as a result of his sin. Consequently, his words convey the realization that, though he had faltered, he had learned from the mistake. He was renewed and resolved in his commitment to walk upright before God, placing his trust in the LORD’s mercy. Notice that it is his confidence in the LORD, and not himself, that provoked him to say, “I shall not slip.”
If this prayer was, indeed, written after his moral failure, perhaps we should also consider that David is asking God to continue examining him to uncover anything else that needs to be dealt with. In fact, the words, “Try my mind and my heart” can and perhaps should be translated “Refine my mind and my heart.” He was asking God to renew his thinking and to purge impurities from his heart and mind just as a metallurgist would refine certain metals. In other words, in light of what was revealed by his sin, it could be that David prayed for God to continue working on him. I second that prayer — “Keep working on me!”
Testing is never fun and especially when it reveals deficiencies. However unpleasant that may be, uncovering our warts and flaws doesn’t have to be the end of the story; it certainly wasn’t for David. Because his trust was in the LORD, he could pray, “Examine me; scrutinize my life; judge me.” He knew that God only had his best interests in mind. Likewise, let us trust our Heavenly Father enough to invite Him to search us, to test us and, as necessary, correct us. It may not be fun but it will result in great benefits — for us, for our family and for those God puts in our path who might be struggling themselves.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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