Scripture:
v 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart
Observation:
David first asks the question about God’s relationship to both the wicked and the righteous about who can dwell in God’s tent. Most of the Psalm then defines the characteristics of those who are able to walk and dwell in God’s tent (or tabernacle). Even though this Psalm was written in the Old Testament, the central theme is the same as those in the New Testament: To love God, love your neighbor and do what is right in God’s eyes. This Psalm reminds me of the great commandment that Jesus gave when speaking to the Pharisees to “love your neighbor as yourself”. If we all just followed that simple piece of advice our lives would reflect the attributes in this Psalm. Our lives would mimic our thoughts, actions and words.
Application:
This Psalm is not a “to do” list of areas in our life that we can check off in order to find favor with God. Rather this is a list of activities and behaviors that occur when someone has put God as the priority in their life. We are to lead blameless lives. Do what is right. No matter how hard I try, I seem to fail in these areas. I want to do what is right. I want to be a reflection of the light but too often I fail and disappoint God. To speak the truth in my heart my thoughts and desires need to be driven by love. All too often my actions are driven by greed, ego and by putting myself first and not others. My actions are to be a reflection of the way Jesus lived his life but it takes self-discipline. It takes continual prayer and commitment to keep God first. It takes a reliance that His ways are to guide my life, not my own ways.
Prayer:
Father, you are the foundation that cannot be shaken. You are the only one who is truly blameless. We are surrounded by a sinister world that seems to celebrate sin and not be ashamed or even think sin will be punished. My reliance is on you. My heart yearns to be blameless and walk in the light but I fail to live up to the example you provided in your son, Jesus. Give me the clarity of truth and help me to apply the knowledge to everything I do to help glorify you.