The Proof of Love
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about living everyday life in faithful and joyful obedience to God. While reading Psalm 26 this morning, I was struck by what David says in verses 2-3:
“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.”
For context, David is writing this song, possibly because he has become the victim of some undeserved wrong. He declares his determination to follow God “without wavering” (v.1). The Hebrew verb used here, which means “to slip, slide, totter, shake,” is significant. It implies that despite the mistreatment and challenges, David is resolved to trust God without slipping or sliding under the burden, showing his unwavering faith.
In verse 2, David is opening up himself to the Lord. He invites the Lord to “Prove…try…test” his inner being (see Psalm 139:23-24). David wants God to scrutinize his heart and examine his motives and desires. When wrong comes David’s way, he turns to God to test his character so that he does not give in to sinful attitudes or responses. He is trusting that God knows his innocence in light of this mistreatment.
In verse 3, David reaffirms his commitment to remember God’s unwavering love and to live obediently in God’s faithfulness. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, David is resolute in viewing all aspects of life through the lens of God’s steadfast love. In times of adversity, David’s focus remains on the Lord’s love, and his path is guided by the Lord’s truth, providing him with a sense of security and peace.
David is declaring his willingness to obey God no matter what. His obedience to God is proof of his love for God. He demonstrated this love through various acts of obedience, such as when he spared Saul’s life despite having the opportunity to kill him.
Remember what Jesus says about the proof of love for him?
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15)
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21)
“Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him'” (John 14:23)
Our love for God manifests itself in faithful and joyful obedience to God. Our obedience to God is motivated by God’s love for us in Jesus.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
Our willingness to obey is coupled with our ability to obey because the Spirit empowers us to obey.
“Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us” (1 John 3:24)
No matter what you’re facing today, resolve to walk in faithful and joyful obedience to God. This means living in a way that is guided by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to direct your thoughts, words, and actions. Meditate on His steadfast love toward you. Saturate your heart with His faithful promises found in his word. If you’re struggling to obey, ask God to transform your heart to learn to walk in his ways in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
