Psalm 26:3-7 I Walk in Your Faithfulness

Some people talk of truth, but it is far better to walk in truth.

David has asked God to give him a thorough examination and prove his innocence. He now lists for God all the reasons that he is innocent. He gives both the positive – the good things that he has done, and the negative – the bad things that he has not done.

As you read his justification, notice that he keeps using language of continual action. He talks about his pattern of life – the way he walks, and his habits. The general tenor of his actions is one of faithfulness.

Please read Psalm 26:3-7.

In verses 4 and 5, David lists all the things that he does not do. He doesn’t hang out with the wrong crowd (“sit with men of falsehood,” “consort with hypocrites”). In fact, he “hates” the wrong crowd. Those people who do evil are an abomination to him! By their actions and their words, they are attacking His God, and David hatest them for it. He absolutely will not spend any time in their presence. This is so certain that he says it twice: “I do not sit with men of falsehood;” “I will not sit with the wicked.”

Then, in verses 6 and 7, David lists all the things that he does do. He is innocent, so he declares “I wash my hands in innocence.” There is no blood on his hands for he is righteous. Rather than sit with evil men, David spends his time “around your altar, O Lord,” worshipping with the followers of God. Instead of going out and partying on Saturday night, he is getting rest so that he can actively participate in church on Sunday morning. Instead of sitting and chatting with the wicked, he is telling people of “all Your wondrous deeds.”

Why does David make this the pattern of his life? The answer is found in verse 3: “For your steadfast love is before my eyes.” God’s love is so good! As Christians, we are no longer under the law; we are under grace. How effective would our lives and witness and mission be if we simply meditated on God’s grace?! Look to God! Look at His marvelous attributes! Will it not motivate you to live for Him?

We do not work works of righteousness in order to earn favor with God. But, when we meditate on God’s faithfulness, we want to do what He does. We want to honor Him and serve Him because of all that He has done for us.

David doesn’t walk in his own faithfulness. He says in verse 3, “I walk in your faithfulness.” It is because of God’s faithfulness that David can walk in faithfulness. It is because God has been so faithful to us that we can now avoid sin and walk in His truth. It is because God has given His Son as a sin offering that we can be declared innocent. Let us join in with David in “Telling all Your wondrous deeds,” both through our words and through our actions.