Psalm Photos - 26 - Clean Hands

Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.

I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;

I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord,

singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.

Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty,

those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.

My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.

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This picture is of a bowl of water that I keep filled in my office. The bowl itself was a going away present from the staff of the congregation I formerly served. I keep it filled as a reminder of my baptism and I begin virtually every day here at the church by making the sign of the cross with the water. The words in this psalm about washing our hands in innocence spoke to me in a similar way - the waters remind me of the cleansing and forgiveness that I have in Christ - it is complete and it is full. And nothing that life can bring can change that reality that I am forever marked by the cross and the blessing of Christ.