DAVID’S LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP (1)

“I have found DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, who will do all My will’” – Acts 13:22b

Despite being an Old Testament saint, there are vital lessons to learn from DAVID’S LIFESTYLE of WORSHIP: ^“And when He had removed him, He raised up for them DAVID as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, who will do all My will’” (Acts 13:22). David was a man after GOD’S Own HEART, because he also had a HEART for GOD, by which he lived a lifestyle of WORSHIP. True Worship emanates from a HEART for GOD and manifests itself in corresponding ACTION. Every Believer in Christ can live a lifestyle of worship, just like David.

To understand why David was a man after God’s own heart, we need to see what characteristics he had to qualify for such an exalted description. Acts 13:22 describes God’s feelings about King David, and provides answer to why he was considered a man after God’s Heart, despite committing such terrible sins as adultery and murder! David did whatever God wanted him to do. Much is known of David’s character in the book of Psalms, as he opened up his life for all to examine. His life was a portrait of success and failure, and the biblical record highlights the fact that David was far from perfect. But what made him a cut above the rest was that his heart was pointed toward God. He had a deep desire to follow God’s Will and do “everything” God wanted him to do.

First, David had absolute faith in God. As a young shepherd boy, he fearlessly slew the Philistine, Goliath. Shortly before the duel, David declared, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam.17:37). David was fully aware that God was in control of his life, and he had faith that God would deliver him from impending danger. His faith pleased God, and God rewarded David for his faithfulness.

Second, David absolutely loved God’s Law. Of the 150 psalms in the Bible, David is credited for writing over half of them, repeatedly mentioning how much he loved God’s Word (Psa.119: 47-48). A person of the Word will be a person of Worship! It’s easy to see David’s complete adoration for God’s Word, and how he meditated on God’s statutes. God granted him wisdom and understanding through daily meditation: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole HEART...” (Psa.119:2-3).

Third, David was thankful: “I wash my hands in innocence, so I will go about Your altar, O LORD, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of Your wondrous works” (Psa.26:6-7). David’s life was marked by seasons of great peace and prosperity as well as times of fear and despair. But through all of the seasons in his life, he never forgot to thank the Lord for everything that he had. Worship was one of his finest characteristics (Psa.100:4). We will do well to follow David’s lead of a Lifestyle of Worship.

After committing adultery, lying, and murder, David was truly sorry and God promptly forgave him (2Sam.12:13). Psalm 51 is his prayer of repentance to God: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin" (Psa.51:1-2). Someone has described David’s heart as: repentant, humble, reverent, respectful, trusting, loving, devoted, faithful, and obedient.

In conclusion, David was a man after God’s own heart because he demonstrated his faith and was committed to following the Lord. Though his faith was tested on a grand scale, and he failed at times, he consistently sought and received the Lord’s forgiveness. He loved God’s Law and sought to follow it exactly. As a man after God’s own heart, he is a role model in the Lifestyle of Worship.