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Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. (Psalm 26:1-3)

This Psalm\u2014like any number of others\u2014gives us pause. \xa0Who of us would dare say such a thing to God? \xa0

But while it might seem strange in ordinary times, there are situations that crop up in our lives where it\u2019s not: like in the face of a tragic death, a betrayal in a close relationship, or the cancer word. \xa0In those situations, we might quite naturally find ourselves crying out to God, asking what it is that we have done to deserve such pain and suffering being thrust into our lives. \xa0These kind of prayers are ways of praying in the vein of Psalm 26.

Some events and realities in our lives are bigger than us\u2014out of our control. \xa0Perhaps more of them than we might think\u2014or like\u2014to list. \xa0And when we realize our lack of control, we realize that we have need of God. \xa0A God who can save us. \xa0Or, in unfair or unjust situations: a God who can judge rightly and vindicate us\u2014which is salvation all the same.

This psalm is a prayer prayed in the face of an evil world that dishes out things that we do not deserve and cannot solve on our own strength. \xa0And this is a psalm that does what it says: that relies on God fully and solely for vindication and salvation. \xa0

It strikes me more often that this is exactly the life Jesus lived. \xa0Even though he had all the power and ability to control on his side, he did not wield it against his oppressors\u2014the Sanhedrin and Romans that condemned and crucified him. \xa0He could have saved himself, but he did not. \xa0He could have appealed to his popularity and the masses who supported him to stage a coup, but he did not. \xa0He could have vindicated himself, but he did not. \xa0Instead, he gave up his power and control, humbled himself, and submitted himself and his case to the just judgement of God the Father\u2014the one who holds the power of final judgement and the right to overturn human verdicts. \xa0God the Father took up the appeal, vindicating Jesus by raising him from the dead on the third day, proving Jesus\u2019 innocence and righteousness in the process.

This is the Jesus that we trust in: the Jesus whose life, righteousness, and vindication have become our own. \xa0As we continue to rely on his vindication and salvation, we remain connected with the reality of things. \xa0We need God, our life is a gift from God, and God\u2019s invitation is that our life be lived in congruence with the righteousness of Christ that we have received from God. \xa0

We cannot control the events or realities that we face in this world, but when health scares or unjust events crash into our lives, we can entrust ourselves to the God who, in Christ, has saved us and who will continue to save us. \xa0

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As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: \xa0 \xa0

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you.\xa0
May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

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