Psalms 26

Devotional:
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
    Test my motives and my heart.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
    So redeem me and show me mercy. (Psalm 26:2, 11).

We might hesitate to pray the prayer of Psalm 26:2 (“Test me, LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind”) because we are fearful that we’d fail this test. So how can David pray this prayer? He can because he is grounded in God’s steadfast love for him, because he lives in reliance on God’s faithfulness. David does not say, “Test me and try me because I always do what is right.” He is aware that there are times when he fails. But even as God tests and tries him, David does not despair because God forgives, because God is gracious. As you strive to honor God today, may you remember that when you fail, God forgives.

Pray it:
Father, I ask that you test me and try me, revealing places of sin in my life. As you reveal these, remind me of your forgiveness and lead me into paths of righteousness in my life moving forward. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?