Really? A Man after God’s own heart?
I’ve always struggled to appreciate King David from the Bible.
With all his short-comings and struggles, it’s always been hard for me to see him as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22)
If you don’t know much about David’s story, besides that he defeated Goliath the Philistine giant and was anointed King of Israel, here’s the brief rundown.
- David was an adulterer.
- David was a liar.
- David was a murderer.
- David was covetous.
Not sure if ya’ll are familiar with the Ten Commandments, but David broke a few big ones on that list. His lustful covetousness of a woman named Bathsheba led him into a whirlwind of trouble. (2 Samuel 11. Read it.)
But in the midst of all his short-comings and trial (Yeah, Kings have trial, too. He was on the run, hiding in caves and avoiding would-be assassins like you wouldn’t believe.) David continuously returned to the Lord.
That’s something I’ve always desired to have in my walk with God. David’s story has taught me that I don’t have to be perfect to be a man of God. But I do need to constantly confess, repent and pursue the Lord with my actions and thought-life.
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Second Samuel 16 struck me this morning.
Picture this: David is fleeing from his son who’s trying to overthrow him. A dissident follows David’s caravan and starts throwing dirt and stones while reigning down curses upon David.
One of David’s men responds like you or I would, probably:
“Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” 2 Sam. 10
David’s response is incredible. It’s unthinkable. It shows he truly IS a man after God’s own heart.
“My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.” 2 Sam. 11-12
Holy smokes, David.
The man sees, even in his despair and anguish, how the hand of God could be working in the midst of apparent evil.
Undoubtedly you’re in the midst of some struggle or trial right now. How are you considering where the Lord is working in that struggle and what he’s trying to teach you?
Relentless Optimism 
Great post, Joey. My pastor did a series in the fall called The Search for a King and went through 2 Samuel. While the series is long and you are undoubtedly very busy, I highly suggest it. It will be well-worth your time. It was incredible and revealed things to me about scripture, the life of David and the gospel that I had never known. Let me know if you want more info 🙂
I totally get you on this. He sure did have a way with being harshly honest with God in the Psalms but always went full circle to affirm his trust in His plan and unfailing love for David.
Dats David 4 u
David is a man after God own’s heart becouse he love and trust God, he admit all forth for himself, he desire is to protect the name of God and every thing that belonge to God.
Fantastic perspectives, God bless