Psalm 26:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 26:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Verse 2Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.
Verse 3For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
Verse 4I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
Verse 5I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
Verse 6I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord,
Verse 7singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
Verse 8O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.
Devotion
“Vindicate me for I have walked in my integrity.”
Dr. Herman Diers, former religion faculty and chaplain at Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, died recently at the age of 97. Years ago it was written of him, “He has a passion for fair play.” In the words of the psalmist, he “walked in [his] integrity.” “How do you hold your piece of bread when other people at the table are hungry and have no bread to eat?” Herman once wrote. In his early years his walk of faith created discomfort among many in the church family. But because of his “walk in integrity,” he was in the end honored, often, from many corners of the world.
For many in our world life is about power, sowing distrust a way to gain an advantage through intimidation. Herman’s faith and life were in sharp contrast to this. The psalmist reminds us, as did Herman’s life, that God’s steadfast love ushers us into a new way of life as we walk in God’s faithfulness. Here is healing grace for each of us and for our world.
Prayer
Fill our hearts and our eyes with your steadfast love, gracious God, that we may live with integrity and with a passion for fair play—doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with you. Amen. (In grateful memory of Dr. Herman Diers)
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