April 23 - Reading 21: Psalms 69-70

“Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me…”          (Psalm 69:6b)

David spends most of his writing in today’s Psalms bemoaning his circumstances. He complains to God about the unfairness of life, and asks God to come to his aid and bring destruction and judgment on his enemies. He is totally focused on his circumstances and crying out to God for relief.

But suddenly, in the midst of his complaining, he tells the Lord “Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me” (Psalm 69:6b). He moves from being consumed about his own situation to being concerned about how his behavior might be affecting God’s reputation. He willingly admits that he is not perfect, writing “O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You: (Psalms 69:5).

Are we as equally concerned as David about how our behavior affects God’s reputation? When people watch us in action, would they say we are more loving, more honest, more generous and more forgiving than the rest of the world? Are we less selfish, less prideful, less gossipy, and less self-righteous than our non-Christian friends?

Probably, the most common criticism the world has about Christians is that they see us as hypocrites. They say our walk doesn’t match our talk. Let’s take that criticism to the Lord and ask if there is anything that we think, say or do in each one of our own lives that does not reflect well on Him.

As redeemed children of God, we should desire to represent Him well. We do not want to be a stumbling block for people who are seeking Christ. We all want people to come to a saving knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

But we are not perfect, and none of us ever will be, this side of heaven. So let’s come before our Father, and ask Hm to reveal anything that may be hindering a clear reflection of Him. Then let’s confess, repent and rejoice that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).