A clear conscience before God is the most peaceful thing we can have in life.
Put your conscience to the test
Read Psalm 26 v 1-3
- - What can David say he always does (v 3)?
Remember, our conscience is not the word of God. Our consciences need the Bible to tell us the truth about what is and is not sinful. Scripture is the great coach for our conscience.
.............................................
PRAY
Ask God to search you and show you where your conscience needs to be informed, transformed and convicted of sinfulness.
.............................................
It's worth remembering, too, that this is David speaking. And we've seen that he experienced countless difficulties from those who opposed God's plans for His king, His people and His world.
An obedient life is not the same as an easy life! Just because your obedience is good, it does not mean your quality of life goes with it. Living right does not mean you will have no more trials. Difficulty should be expected in a sinful world.
.............................................
APPLY
- - When you pray, do you pray more that you will be godly as you face difficulties, or that God will remove your difficulties? Make it the first!
.............................................
Put others' counsel to the test
Read verses 4-5
- - Who are the people David is refusing to be influenced by?
- - How does he feel about "the assembly of evildoers"--those who aren't part of God's people? Does this surprise you?
God's people do not surround themselves with wicked advisors and friends. It is fine to love and witness to those who reject God, but we're being warned here that if we're to be able to say verse 1, we also need to copy David in verses 4-5. We need counsel which is not simply sensible sound, or kindly spoken--we need advice which points us to God and to His word.
Put your confession to the test
Read verses 6-12
In verse 6, David is keeping his standards as high as the priests who washed their hands publicly.
.............................................
APPLY
- - Would your private life stand up to public scrutiny?
- - Time to be searingly honest. What have you said, thought and done in the last week which means your unable to say verse 1 of yourself?
Ask for forgiveness. And ask God to change you so that you will be more blameless and trusting next week.
.............................................
This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from The Good Book Company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
Click here and enter the code bstexplore61 when you check out to get the next quarter’s Explore for $5.84, a 10% discount.
Click here and enter bstexploresub when you check out to buy a year’s worth at 25% off—just $16.
Keep a record of what God is teaching you with "My Bible" at BibleStudyTools.com
