“Vindicate me, O Lord…I have trusted in You without wavering.” (v.1)
Constant complaining can injure a person’s health, according to Dr. Matthew Budd of Harvard Medical School, “Chronic complainers put themselves in a heightened mood state the disrupts the physiology of the body. There is a higher risk of heart disease associated with anger and hostility and because people who complain a lot see themselves as victims, they are prone to increased stress, depression, and an increase sense of hopelessness.”
The antidote for a complaining or bitter spirit is trust in the Lord, especially in His justice. Rather than worrying or becoming angry, we should follow David’s example in today’s reading and pray for vindication. His prayer is neatly summarized in verse 1. The request-justice, the doer-God, the basis-David’s innocence and faith in God.
David’s plea of innocence was not a proud one, for David confessed his sinfulness to God in other psalms. Here in psalm 26 he invites God to examine him, and try him, to prove his heart and mind (v.2). He further states to God, “I have walked in Your truth” (v.3), and “prefer Your company, Your house, over the company of “evildoers” and “bloodthirsty men”, who’s hands are full of bribes (vv.4-10). Then finally citing his own righteous intentions as evidence of his worshipful heart (vv.11-12).
David never claims perfection, only a certainty that what he was suffering was undeserved. He does not air his complaints to all who would listen or stir up some crusade for justice, but takes his prayer for redemption directly to God.
May we all do the same.
May we all do the same.
The Truth: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
