"Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD." (Psalm 26:1-12)

          Prayer was a vital part of David's life. He constantly prayed for God's protection and help. In this great little psalm David affirmed his integrity before God. God even refereed to David as a man of integrity. "And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments." (1 Kings 9:4) In this psalm David gave simple evidence that supported his integrity claim. He made his appeal based, not upon his personal goodness, but upon the mercy of God. God's mercy makes us new and this allows us to walk with integrity before Him. David was a man of integrity because he had walked in God's truths; he obeyed God.

          David washed his hands before God to show that he was an innocent man. This was a principle found in Deuteronomy 21:6-7. "And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it." David gave a beautiful picture of loving the place where God's tent was located. The reason behind this thought is that David understood that God's presence would be there. David's longing also was to be among the redeemed when he died and not to be found among sinners. In Psalms 25:21 David had prayed for integrity. "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." His prayer was answered and now he is able to come before God based upon that integrity.

          David's prayer to God -- Psalm 26:1-3: David's prayer was that God would judge him or vindicate him. This prayer is based upon the fact that David had walked in integrity and that his trust in God had been strong. David's appeal to God was supported by both his righteousness and God's mercy. Prayer is so much easier when one is living a righteousness life and the prayer can be prayed with a clear conscience. David came before God with confidence concerning his daily living and his thoughts. He asked God to test him and find out what he was like. He wanted God to examine his mind, heart and actions. When God examines us He sees both our heart with all its motives and our deeds. David's blameless life was seen not in the good times but in the times of testing. "In prosperity every man will seem godly, but afflictions do draw out of the heart whatsoever is there, whether it be good or bad" The love of God motivated the continual, faithful walk of David before Him. David stands in contrast to the wicked men of his day. He "walked in integrity." David believed that God's truth existed and that men are accountable to it. 

          A look at David's righteous life -- Psalm 26:4-8: David did not spend his time with worthless liars. Neither did he go with evil crowds. He refused to sit with the wicked. Those that we "sit with" have an effect on our spiritual life. It is easier to be righteous if you do not company with the ungodly. Sitting with vain or deceitful men has led many away from New Testament Christianity. David hated the ways of the evil doers. He said, "I have hated the congregation of evil doers." (Psalm 26:5) David did not seek out the place where evil was done. Instead he sought out the place where God had promised to be. The presence of God is an amazing experience. David praised God aloud for the many wonders that He had done. David showed us that it takes both resisting evil and obeying truth to please God. 

          David prayed for help from God -- Psalm 26:9-12: God is righteous. Therefore he will punish the wicked and bless the righteous. God distinguishes the wheat from the tares and He will separate them one day. (Matthew 13) David promised to continue to detach himself from the people of the world. He said, "I will walk in mine integrity." His plea to God was for "Redeem me and be merciful to me." Like David we all stand in need of God's mercy. We should be motivated by the death of Jesus for our sins to walk in our integrity before God. David concluded this psalm saying, "My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD." David is not standing upon the treacherous ground that the wicked are upon. David stood with God! Let us boldly and openly worship and serve our Creator.