Psalm 26

I wish there were a background given for this song.
Has David been accused of some wrong?
It occurs to me that perhaps he is preparing to go into the sanctuary, and is declaring
the reasons he can be admitted there.

The RSB study note says this:  "......the desire for deliverance motivates a man to examine his life and invite the scrutiny of God."

David is confident in his innocence.  "Vindicate me, "  he says.  'Vindicate' means to clear of blame or suspicion.  He has walked with the Lord in integrity.
I found this definition of 'integrity':  "consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes."

Yep.   That just about sums up what we know of David.  He always trusts the Lord, and expresses confidence in His covenant love.....He will not waver or forget, He will not change His mind, He will not leave us.  David's hope is in the Lord, and over and over we hear him say that the outcome will be deliverance from his enemies (tangible and intangible), and victory for God.

Ah....but David is not arrogant with this declaration.   He invites God to examine him, and to test his heart and mind.    

Verses 4, 5, and 6 are very reminiscent of  Psalm one.  David has not loved sin, or condoned it or participated in it,  or turned a blind eye to it.  He has separate himself from the godless.
I loved the study notes in my NKJ bible on verses 9-10:  "We may separate from sinful people by choice in this life, and by God's judgement in the life to come."

David chooses to be separate here and now, but knows with full assurance that in eternity, God, the righteous Judge will preserve the upright, and destroy the wicked.

When he speaks of washing his hands and going before the alter, I wonder if he is speaking of the cleansing necessary before going into the tabernacle?   He loves God's house, and wants to be accepted there.  He has declared his innocence, and asked God to examine him further, and now cleanses himself per he law.  He wants to be pure and acceptable in God's eyes, to not be grouped with the sinners who cannot come into God's presence.

David vows continued integrity, but he knows that that is not enough.   He needs God's grace......He asks for mercy and redemption.

And here's the confidence in God's steadfastness......."My foot stands in an even place....."  "level ground."

David knows the outcome because he knows the only true and living God, who has declared what that will be.

Father, may I know the confidence that David did in times of trouble.   I never see him waver in this.  He experiences deep, dark trouble and turmoil, and voices the emotions that come with it, but underlying all of it is that confident hope in the almighty God.  May I know that confident relationship with you, that is in constant communication with You.  Teach me Your ways, and help me to do them.  Examine my heart and reveal to me the sin you find there.  Help me, Father to walk in such a way that I can proclaim my innocence, like David, and desire to be so like You, that I eagerly invite You to examine my heart.