Psalm 26:1-8

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.” vss. 1-2

This psalmist has the utmost confidence in his own righteousness. If there were any entrance requirements for temple worship, he has no doubts about passing the test. He is a man of integrity and has nothing to hide from the Lord. There is no question that he is one of the righteous.

This isn’t what we’re used to reading in the psalms. Typically the psalmists come before the Lord with confession and repentance on their minds, and call attention to their lowliness and humility. But not this fellow! It’s like he’s writing his own letter of recommendation for a temple job opening.

There are times in life when we might need to take a deep breath and put together a list of attributes for another person’s consideration. Maybe we’re involved in courtship and want our beloved to think highly of us! Or maybe there’s a job that we would dearly love to have and we’ve been asked to put together a list of our finest qualities! There are some folks, like the psalmist, who could easily do that. But for most of us it’s not that easy. We’re so aware of our own brokenness that it’s much easier to come up with our faults.

What a blessing it is to know that God sees our innate goodness, and we don’t have to pass a test in order to be loved.

Thought for the Day: What are my best qualities?