As I hover over Psalm 26 this morning, what I’m chewing on is a thought that justification and vindication are two different things. I’m thinking that if justification deals with sin, vindication deals with the unfounded accusation of sin. If justification deals with making right wrong acts, vindication is making known sincere intentions. That’s what David wanted — vindication.

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 my mind.
For Your steadfast love is before my eyes,
       and I walk in Your faithfulness.

(Psalm 26:1-2 ESV)

All David wanted was his name cleared (MSG). Specifically, some suggest, in the matter — or supposed matter — of his ill-will towards Saul (1Sam. 24:9).

David’s appeal to the LORD wasn’t to stamp all his actions and deeds as perfect, but wanted God to bring to light that his motives were pure. He had walked in integrity, in innocence and simplicity, when it came to serving Saul. Though he knew the throne would one day be his, he wasn’t jockeying for position or planning some treacherous coup, but instead had determined to trust in the LORD without wavering. Though there may have been missteps and misunderstandings along the way, David’s heart was to serve Saul as he followed the LORD, walking in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

But David wouldn’t trust his own heart to diagnosis his own heart. Instead, he invites the LORD to prove him, to try him, and to test him. “Search me, O God,” he would sing in another song, “and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24). And then, having had his heart searched and His thoughts known, having dealt with any grievous ways, David would ask of the LORD, “Vindicate me. Clear my name.”

We don’t always get what we want. Vindication before others might just have to be seen as a “nice to have.” But to be known by the LORD, tested of the LORD, and vindicated in His sight — to confidently wash our hands in innocence and boldly come before His altar with thanksgiving (Ps. 26:6-7) — is the far greater prize. Our vindication, though not the same as our justification, possible only because of our justification, Christ’s atoning work on our behalf and His imputed righteousness to our account.

Vindication.

Might it be so, Lord.

By Your grace. For Your glory.