Heroes of the Faith Series |
 |
King David—A Man after God’s Own Heart
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!
(Psalm 119:11)
Hearing a compliment from a friend is encouraging, but can you imagine what it would be like to receive praise from God? King David was described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), yet the Bible teaches us that his life was filled with trials, temptations, and transgressions. So what was it about David’s life that earned him this honorable tribute from our Lord?
There is no better place to discover why God was so pleased with the heart of David than in the Psalms.
Consider the following passages:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).
David understood that without the Scriptures shining before him on his path, he would stumble aimlessly toward destruction. He also recognized that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12), David was wise to place His trust in God’s words rather than man’s words.
I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8).
A joyful heart is an obedient heart. David took great pleasure in carrying out God’s will. Heart obedience is one of the most obvious indicators that we love God. The apostle John explained: This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore (Psalm 86:11–12).
David had a teachable heart—a heart that wanted not only to learn God’s truth, but to walk in God’s truth. Walking in obedience leads to joyful praise which glorifies God!
Therefore, to be a person after God’s own heart, we must first know God’s heart. And the only way for us to really understand the heart of God is to humbly seek His will through prayer and the earnest study of His Word. The Lord took David on an incredible spiritual journey from a humble shepherd boy to a mighty king; let this testimony be a reminder that God can choose to do amazing things through those who devote their hearts to Him by obeying His Word.
Discussion Question: What does having a heart for God look like in your life?
Memory Verse: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Prayer: Lord, search my heart and increase my devotion to learn, meditate, and live out Your Word. Give me a heart like David’s, that humbly seeks after You and walks joyfully in obedience!
All quotations from Scripture are taken from the New King James Version.
Devotional written by Mark Rasche
Illustration by Jonathan Chong
Click Here for "Closer Walk" - Essentials of the Faith!
