Man After God's Heart
“God raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do my will’” (Acts 13:22).
Later in his life David will commit sin with Bathsheba and plant the seeds of division that will occur after his son Solomon takes the throne. David was not perfect. Though true, in his younger years he sought God diligently and followed his leading sincerely. As Paul quotes the prophet Samuel in Acts 13 above, the Lord chose David because he tried to see life from God’s perspective, and honor him in his actions. He will become a revered king among the Israelites, a model of the Messiah King who will come later (Jesus).
You might think that God would bless David in a special and protective way. There is a sense of that as you read about his life progressing. At the same time, God does not treat David with kid gloves. David will endure much hardship on his way to becoming Israel’s greatest king. You and I might take comfort in this when troubled times come our way. Here’s the thing: You are special to God! But that doesn’t mean he will put a bubble of protection around you. It doesn’t mean you won’t experience the tough times others face. David, a man after God’s heart, certainly did. We live in a sinful world of free will, with consequences that touch us all.
Consider some of David’s writings in Psalms. He’s honest, part of what God appreciates. He doesn’t mince words sharing feelings. One example is from a song David wrote as he fled from King Saul, Psalm 57. “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God most high, to God who fulfills his purpose in me” (57:1-2). David was on the run from Saul, who sought in jealousy to kill this man who would be his successor. David will be on the run for years! This Psalm is written as he hides in a cave. He continues, “My soul is amid lions. I lie down among fiery beasts.” Other places David will ask God to destroy his enemies (Psalm 3; 35; 59; etc.). Life was hard.
I know when I was going through some very trying and difficult times in the 1990’s, reading such words from David resonated with me. David had such feelings, maybe it’s OK for me to have such feelings also. I struggled, just as David had, and I needed comforting words. The Psalms delivered.
Or what about when David was fleeing from his son Absalom, who wanted to usurp his father’s kingdom? “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1-3).
Want to be a “man (or woman) after God’s heart”? You can be as you follow Jesus faithfully. Just realize it may come with its own share of difficulties as we take up our cross and follow him (Matt. 16:24). Remember Jesus’ words, “I have said these things that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). Along the path we take solace in the Psalms of David. He would understand. So does God. One day we will be rewarded for our faithfulness (Rev. 21:3-5; Matt. 16:27). Meanwhile, keep trusting in the Lord!
Question: What is your favorite Psalm? Why is it meaningful to you?
Later in his life David will commit sin with Bathsheba and plant the seeds of division that will occur after his son Solomon takes the throne. David was not perfect. Though true, in his younger years he sought God diligently and followed his leading sincerely. As Paul quotes the prophet Samuel in Acts 13 above, the Lord chose David because he tried to see life from God’s perspective, and honor him in his actions. He will become a revered king among the Israelites, a model of the Messiah King who will come later (Jesus).
You might think that God would bless David in a special and protective way. There is a sense of that as you read about his life progressing. At the same time, God does not treat David with kid gloves. David will endure much hardship on his way to becoming Israel’s greatest king. You and I might take comfort in this when troubled times come our way. Here’s the thing: You are special to God! But that doesn’t mean he will put a bubble of protection around you. It doesn’t mean you won’t experience the tough times others face. David, a man after God’s heart, certainly did. We live in a sinful world of free will, with consequences that touch us all.
Consider some of David’s writings in Psalms. He’s honest, part of what God appreciates. He doesn’t mince words sharing feelings. One example is from a song David wrote as he fled from King Saul, Psalm 57. “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God most high, to God who fulfills his purpose in me” (57:1-2). David was on the run from Saul, who sought in jealousy to kill this man who would be his successor. David will be on the run for years! This Psalm is written as he hides in a cave. He continues, “My soul is amid lions. I lie down among fiery beasts.” Other places David will ask God to destroy his enemies (Psalm 3; 35; 59; etc.). Life was hard.
I know when I was going through some very trying and difficult times in the 1990’s, reading such words from David resonated with me. David had such feelings, maybe it’s OK for me to have such feelings also. I struggled, just as David had, and I needed comforting words. The Psalms delivered.
Or what about when David was fleeing from his son Absalom, who wanted to usurp his father’s kingdom? “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1-3).
Want to be a “man (or woman) after God’s heart”? You can be as you follow Jesus faithfully. Just realize it may come with its own share of difficulties as we take up our cross and follow him (Matt. 16:24). Remember Jesus’ words, “I have said these things that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). Along the path we take solace in the Psalms of David. He would understand. So does God. One day we will be rewarded for our faithfulness (Rev. 21:3-5; Matt. 16:27). Meanwhile, keep trusting in the Lord!
Question: What is your favorite Psalm? Why is it meaningful to you?
Posted in Waking Up Eutychus