TUESDAY: IS THIS A TEST?

Nov 1, 2022
2 min read

Psalm 26:1-7

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord,

proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

If I ever wanted to ask anyone to give me a test, I would ask the Lord to test me. I know He will be thorough in His examination, searching the recesses of my mind which I tend to hide from everyone else.

He will search my heart, and He will find all the hiding places where I store the secret things, I don’t want others to see. There is anxiety, fear, anger, greed, and a whole lot of pride. Why do I store these things there? I’m too prideful to admit that they exist, even to myself.

I don’t want to be judgmental, but I know some who plan deceit in their hearts, and I don’t want to be like them. Also, I know some are hypocrites, or actors, who say one thing and do another. I see the turmoil in their lives from the confusion they practice. They are lost without a guide, and I desire to live a different way.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Confession is the key to true heart-change. In order to wash my hands in innocence, I must confess at the altar. Through confession, Jesus washes my heart of deceitful things and focuses my mind on His truth. He creates room for Himself to work in my life. My first order of business after confessing is filling my heart with praise—proclaiming aloud His praise and telling of all His wonderful deeds.

I know if I’m in His presence, I have moved away from the assembly of the evildoers and the wicked. They don’t desire to praise Him and will separate themselves from me when I begin to praise His name.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of Your presence in my life. I desire to confess my sins and praise Your name today. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman