What does Psalm 26:7 mean?

This is part of David's declaration of innocence and sincere devotion to God (Psalm 26:4–6). The prior verse emphasized proper, ceremonially clean acts of worship. Here, David cites two things he does at God's altar. He overtly thanks God, and he makes a point to tell others what great things God has done. Neither of these activities demands a theological degree. Expertise and intellect might help a person explain God, but neither is required to be an effective witness. Every believer has received good gifts from God (James 1:17), and therefore has much for which to be thankful.

First Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts believers to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." A believer may wonder what God's will is, but 1 Thessalonians makes it clear that thanksgiving is God's will. Proclaiming God's wondrous works is also God's will for believers. When Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, He told him to go home "and declare how much God has done for you" (Luke. 8:39). At Pentecost, the followers of Jesus proclaimed in many languages "the mighty works of God" (Acts 2:11). Psalm 66:16 provides a good invitation every believer can extend: "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."