9 Powerful Reasons David Is Called a Man after God’s Own Heart
Share
Those who have led God’s people have always been held to a higher standard, called to share the Lord’s values and to follow His commands. Many rulers governed with strength, and some with compassion as well. But among them, David not only carried out God’s plan, but sought a deep relationship with and dependence on Him.
As a boy, David was considered the least of his brothers, spending much of his time out in the fields with the sheep. But he filled his time composing poems and songs of praise to God. And as a result, over time David grew strong, both physically and spiritually. It was this combination that led God to choose David to become the future king of Israel.
“…the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people…” (1 Samuel 13:14)
David’s Life Demonstrates Devotion to God
From the earliest accounts of David’s life, we see a young man who was devoted to his Lord. This mindset might have wavered as he experienced trials and even tragedies, but it didn’t falter. Even later, wearied by burdens and old age, David still sought the blessing and comfort that only God could provide.
As he stood up to fight the giant Goliath, a young David declared his great respect for God. When Goliath taunted him for being young and small, David praised the Lord for always giving him whatever ability he needed, and claimed victory.
Soon after David’s win over Goliath, he was recruited to play his harp for King Saul. The ruler was being oppressed by evil spirits, and God used David’s worship music as a healing balm for Saul’s upset mind.
God blessed David with a friendship with Saul’s son Jonathan that ended up saving the future king’s life. And years after Jonathan’s death, David sought to honor his friend, which led him to grant a blessing on a new generation of Saul’s family.
When King Saul grew obsessed with killing him, David fled – calling out for strength and reassurance from God. In time, the Lord honored His promise to put David on the throne, where he became not only king, but a true worship leader for the people.
As king, David was passionate about private and public worship. He continued to write songs and spoke out often to encourage the people to reach for more of God.
9 Ways David Was a Man after God’s Own Heart
The Psalms are a wonderful resource to discover how David sought to know and share God’s heart. These songs reflect a close relationship with his Heavenly Father, and a deep understanding of the rich connection the Lord wants with His people. Each Psalm also reveals how David’s heart aligned with God’s.
1. He Pledged to Follow God’s Ways
“I will be careful to lead a blameless life — when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile” (Psalm 101:2-3).
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior” (Psalm 24:3-5).
2. He Sought God’s Wisdom Rather Than Others’
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” (Psalm 14:1-2).
3. He Found Joy in Giving God Worship
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:5-6).
“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him — his name is the Lord” (Psalm 68:4).
4. He Leaned on God during Times of Trouble
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain” (Psalm 3:3-4).
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
5. He Pleaded for God’s Forgiveness
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).
6. He Trusted That God Would Provide
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:8-10).
“You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:9-11).
7. He Acknowledged God’s Sovereignty
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (Psalm 24:1-2).
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever” (Psalm 29:10).
8. He Accepted That God Knew Him Inside and Out
“You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:2-6).
“Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile” (Psalm 94:9-11).
9. He Gave Thanks for God’s Goodness
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:2-3).
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).
David was truly after God’s heart, and the exciting thing is that we can be, too. Here are some ways to follow David’s example and help others to see more of our Heavenly Father as well.
We can become more aware, actively looking for God’s work in and around us every day. We can intentionally set aside time for worship – showing God our gratitude, lifting up our needs, and meditating on His Word. We can seek opportunities to share what God has done for us, and be ready to give our personal testimony.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Everste
