Closer Day 12 – Psalm 26:6-12

Read: Psalm 26:6-12

6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, 7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds. 8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.

Reflect

In a continuation of Psalm 26, we see the psalmist pronouncing the challenges and hardships around him. For David, a right walk with God was more than obedience and avoiding evil. Here we see him choosing genuine worship of the Lord, praising His deeds, and proclaiming thanksgiving aloud. All of these acts happened in the place of public worship, at the altar of the Lord. David loved the tabernacle because it represented the house of God; it was the place of God’s glory. David possessed a deep love for God and His presence.

We see David drawing toward the gathering of God’s people, not away, in his time of distress. And while we now have access to God through the Holy Spirit, do we embody the same attitude of David? Do we love the Church, the gathering of God’s people, so much that we run towards the body rather than away when times get hard? When the ground around us shakes and threatens to give way, may we find level ground and sure footing in the presence of the Lord among His people.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that I have access to you through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to see you today as I go about my day. Tune my heart to Your Presence and help me to walk in peace and confidence. Grow your love in me for the gathering of your people.