Praying For God’s Verdict

Declare me innocent, O LORD,

for I have acted with integrity;

I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.

Test my motives and my heart.

For I am always aware of your unfailing love,

and I have lived according to your truth.

Psalm 26:1-3

Not many people enjoy tests, and even fewer enjoy being put on trial. No one wants inquisitive lawyers cross-examining every statement and action. But David prayed that God would do just that with his life. He wanted God to declare him innocent so that the accusations of his enemies would be forever silenced. Because he had consistently tried to follow God’s ways, David was confident that the Lord would protect him from these accusations. All of us will endure times when we are unjustly accused. If we have been careful to submit our ways to God, we can be confident that God will declare us innocent.

In prayer today, commit your ways to God. Ask the Lord to examine your life and help you change those areas that don’t conform to his will.

• Dear God, test my motives and my heart. Help me to live according to your truth . . .