David: The Man After God's Heart

One of the greatest compliments one can receive is being described as a man after God’s own heart. Such was the compliment paid to David as God inspired Paul (Acts 13:22). There are various reasons why David received this compliment: he was merciful (2 Sam 9), he took his commitment to the Word seriously (Ps 1:1-2), and he was dependent upon God (Ps 20:7). Among these qualities, one evident in David’s life is his desire for God.

David desired to be with his God. He looked to the promise of faithfulness and embraced the hope of being with God for eternity (Ps 1:5-6). David wrote, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” David’s desire led to his search for moral excellence. He inquired about how to spend eternity with God (Ps 15:1) and pursued it with all his strength.

David cherished the time he spent with the Lord. He anticipated and joyfully participated in worshipping God (Ps 121:1-2). David valued the opportunity to be with God more than anything the world could offer, which is why, when deprived of this blessing, he thirsted and panted for it (Ps 42:1-2; Ps 63:1-2). Nothing was as precious as his communion with God.

David’s joy and desire cause me to question my heart. Do I anticipate my opportunities to come into God’s presence? Do I cherish each moment? Do I look forward to eternity with the same fervent love that David did? When I see my Lord, will I be as overjoyed as I am sure David is? Sometimes, I think about that great union and feel filled with radiant love. Yet, I sometimes lose sight of the blessing of being in His presence during worship.

Worship is a blessing - a foretaste of what is in store. May I take on the attitude of the godly worshipper: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Ps 84:10)