Psalm 26

Perhaps no one else in the OT understood worship better than David. Many of his psalms deal with the role of worship in the community life of God’s people. The language of worship in the psalms often mentions the “sanctuary,” “holy place,” “house,” “temple,” “tabernacle,” etc. These are all references to OT places of worship. This language is used metaphorically throughout the book of Psalms to express various facets of worship. In the OT the presence of God dwelled (but was not limited to) in his house. Worship takes place wherever the presence of God dwells.

Psalm 26 is the first psalm in a four-psalm series often referred to as the “Sanctuary Psalms.” Each of these psalms expresses some facet of worship as it takes place in the presence of God. David’s main point in Ps 26 is that worship has ethical implications. Worship is meant to impact our lives by bringing us into the presence of God so that we may learn to reflect the character of God. That is, worship is meant to teach us, as Christians, how to be Christ-like. Worship should continually shape and transform us into the image of Christ. Sunday is not the only day for worship. Our worship on Sunday should extend into the other six days of the week. Worship is not primarily an intellectual exercise, it is a lifestyle.

David speaks of this ethical dimension of worship in Ps 26. He begins by asking God to examine his own life to see if in fact his worship is impacting his life (vv. 2-8). David upholds his innocence. Although not perfect he sees the overall character of his life as a reflection of God’s character. Worship helps develop this Godly character. He specifically mentions his “love” for worship (v. 8). David does not see worship as a chore nor as something to be checked off each week. Worship is his consuming passion. He loves to enter the presence of God and kneel before his glory. We too must learn to love worship.

David concludes the psalm by mentioning the corporate element involved in worship (v. 12). This reference to the “assembly” is a reference to the gathering of the people of God for worship. Worship is where we publicly proclaim the goodness and faithfulness of God. God’s character is not something that is to be kept secret, it is to be announced. It is one thing to privately acknowledge the goodness of God; it is another to declare it publicly. This public declaration serves to both ignite and invite. It ignites the flames of faith that reside in the people of God and it invites the lost to come into the redeeming presence of God.

How do you view worship? Read Pss 26-29 and look for the various facets of worship. Worship is a dynamic experience that cannot be limited to one day a week.