Read
(By David.)
The Prayer
1Show that I am right, Lord!
I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
without doubting.
2Test my thoughts and find out
what I am like.
3I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
to you.
4I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
5or go with evil crowds.
6I wash my hands, Lord,
to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
7while gratefully singing
about your wonders.
8I love the temple
where you live, and where
your glory shines.
9Don't sweep me away,
as you do sinners.
Don't punish me with death
as you do those people
who are brutal
10or full of meanness
or who bribe others.
11I stay true to myself.
Be kind and rescue me.
12Now I stand on solid ground!
And when your people meet,
I will praise you, Lord.
Reflect
Jesus, always the consummate storyteller, once told a tale about two builders, one wise and one foolish. The first chose to construct his home on a solid base; when a violent storm came, the house was not shaken. The second built on shifting sand. The foundation crumbled and the storm decimated his home.
Integrity is key when it comes to construction, even more so when it comes to one’s life. David knew this full well, and practised it often. In his early days, he had opportunity to take his crown by force, to wipe out the reigning king and his family. But he didn’t. Instead he waited on God’s timing, even as the storm of persecution and danger raged around him.
He chose to lead a life of integrity. He chose to do things God’s way rather than siding with those who could have given him the world but destroyed his character.
Just as a good building contractor is willing to have his handiwork inspected, David is willing to open his life before God. Inspect me, he says to God, test my thoughts! I have followed your ways; I have done my best to live a blameless life. David is not perfect, and he would be the first to admit it. But he has done his utmost to follow God’s ways, even when it would have been easier to cut corners.
He paid attention to the details, and not just the big ones. He did the small things well and maintained his integrity.
That is what Jesus asks us to do, too. He does not ask us to build a perfect mansion. He asks us to build our lives on a solid foundation, to do our best, with integrity. He will honour our commitment when we stand on solid ground.
Respond
Father God, please help to live my life with integrity. When it’s easier to cut corners, give me the strength to go the distance. May my life show evidence of your work in me. I commit my head, my hands and my heart to serving you. Amen.
Kelly Rempel
Kelly Rempel is a wife, mother of two, writer and Jesus-follower. She lives in Winnipeg, MB where she is developing her passion for introducing children and their families to Jesus in her role as Family Ministry Director at Braeside Evangelical Church. She formerly served as the Senior Editor for ChristianWeek, a national publication focused on Christian faith and life in Canada (and beyond). She grew up in northern B.C., obtained her journalism diploma at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, and attended Bethany Bible Institute (now Bethany College) in Hepburn, SK, before moving to Winnipeg. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys trying her hand at various creative pursuits.