There’s something about gathering with the people of God and lifting our voices in praising God that invites the presence of God. A bit of our experience yesterday at LTCC. There are no formulas which make some Sundays a little more special than other . . . it’s not about “do this . . . and you’ll get that” . . . but Psalm 26 does seem to indicate that there is a relationship between walk and worship.

Three times in Psalm 26 David refers to his walk. “I have walked in my integrity (v.1) . . . I walk in Your faithfulness (v.3) . . . I shall walk in my integrity (v.11).” David’s desire was that he might be authentic . . . that he would order his life after truth . . . that, as much as lied within him, his pattern of life would line up with his profession of faith. David was serious about it, inviting the God who “looks on the heart” (1Sam. 16:7) to prove him, and try him, and test his heart and mind (v.2). Not that David believed that God would find a man perfect in action and deed . . . but that God might find a man pure in desire and intention.

David ordered his life during the week such that it would not hinder his worship on the weekend. He would not “sit with men of falsehood” . . . he wouldn’t partner with them in their hypocrisy . . . he wouldn’t bind himself to their values (v.4-5). Rather, it seems he knew that clean hands were consistent with genuine thanksgiving . . . that proclaiming the wondrous deeds of God came out of the wondrous experience of being sustained by the grace of God amidst an evil world (v. 6-7)

David’s feet were established on “level ground” . . . the solid foundation of God’s grace and promises . . . the even place of integrity and singleness of purpose. And from knowing that place throughout the week, he was prepared to bless the Lord when he came together in the great assembly for worship (v.12).

There seems to be a relationship between walk and worship. Authentic walk prepares the way for authentic worship. Conversely, a desire for authentic worship of the living God will have a regulating impact on how I do life when I’m not “in church.” Such was David’s desire . . .

O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.   (Psalm 26:8 ESV)

David was jazzed by being where God’s glory was found. Where God’s presence rested, David wanted his praise to resound. If the temple was where the glory dwelt than David wanted nothing to hinder him when he lifted his voice to have God’s glory tell’t.

It’s Monday morning . . . a lot of week ahead. The “high” of yesterday morning will fade quickly. But if I’m picking up what David’s laying down it’s not too early to start preparing for worship this weekend. Today I can determine, by God’s grace, to walk such that my worship will not be hindered. To keep short accounts, repenting of those skirmishes I’ll yield to the flesh, knowing that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” . . . that “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:7,9). To ask His Spirit to check my thoughts and actions . . . willing to submit to His leading and correction . . . desiring to walk in a manner worthy of the calling I have in Christ.

And . . . to anticipate that time when I will again enter the house of His habitation, the gathering of the people of God. Expecting again to know the reality of being, with the saints, a living temple — a place where His glory dwells. Desiring again to lift my heart, and my voice, in declaration of His wondrous and His magnificent Name.

O’ that I might be aware of my walk, that it might prepare me for worship. By His grace . . . for His glory . . .