HEALTHY HEART FOR GOD (2)

“I have found David the son of Jesse, a MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, who will DO ALL MY WILL” – Acts 13:22

Heart Transformation is about developing a HEALTHY HEART for GOD, as found in David: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, who will DO ALL MY WILL” (Acts 13:22). Here, the apostle Paul echoing 1 Samuel 13:14, revealed God’s feelings about King David. We can learn from the characteristics he had to qualify for such an exalted description. The answer to why David was considered a man after God’s own Heart is found right in the verse: He did whatever God wanted him to do. An obvious question is: How could God call David a man after His own heart when he committed terrible sins of adultery and murder?

Yesterday, we highlighted how David sought God’s Presence, studied His precepts, sang His praises, and served His purposes. Through further unveiling of David’s character in the Psalms and other related books, his life’s portrait of success and failure highlights the fact that he was far from perfect. What made David distinct 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. The following qualities stand out in David’s life:

Absolute Faith in God: This is aptly illustrated when David, a young shepherd boy fearlessly slew Goliath, the Philistine giant (1Sam.17). Shortly before the duel, David, a Model of Faith 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.” And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you!’ (1Sam.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. He knew early on in life that God was to be trusted and obeyed. His faith pleased God, who rewarded his faithfulness.

Absolute Love for God’s Law: Writing at various and often troubling times in his life, David repeatedly mentioned how much he loved God’s Word: “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love” (Psa.119:47). He sought God’s Word with his whole heart: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!” (Psa.119:2). God granted him wisdom through daily meditation: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa.1:2).

A Contrite and Repentant Heart: David’s sin with Bathsheba led to a mighty fall into adultery, lying, and murder (2Sam.11:2-5). After he sinned however, David was truly repentant: “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die” (2Sam.12:13). Beyond admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness, there must be repentance – complete turn-around: “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).

Attitude of Gratitude – Thankfulness: David was truly thankful (Psa.26:6-7). His life was marked by seasons of great peace and prosperity as well as times of fear and despair. But through all of life’s seasons, he never forgot to thank the Lord for everything. This was one of David’s finest characteristics: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). As Believers, we should follow David’s lead of offering praise through thanksgiving to our Lord.

David was a man after God’s own heart because he demonstrated faith and commitment to following the Lord. His faith was tested on a grand scale, and he failed at times. But after his sin he sought and received God’s forgiveness. In the final analysis, he loved God’s Word and sought to follow it fully. David remains a role model for believers in all ages, as a man after God’s own heart!