For many Christians, King David is a hero of the faith. His story is inspiring and encouraging. It’s raw and honest. He was a man who experienced many successes and failures.
Like David, we can find ourselves in seasons of waiting on God, running from difficulty, and even walking in His promises. David’s life shows that no season is without hardship. He was not perfect and made many mistakes—probably more than most of us. Yet, he is still called a man after God’s own heart.
David’s life shows us that God is not looking for a picture-perfect life; He is instead looking at our hearts. So what made David a man after God’s own heart, and how can we also be a people after His heart?
1. David loved God and worshiped God.
2 Samuel 6:14-15
“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.”
In 2 Samuel 6, the Ark of the Covenant is brought back into Jerusalem. This meant that once more, the people of God would be centered around the presence of God. In this context, David is seen dancing, celebrating, and worshiping God in the street without shame. David was not worried about what anyone else would think of Him. He only cared about what God thought of Him.
If we want to be a people after God’s own heart, we must first love God and then let that love overflow into our worship of Him.
2. David was dependent on God.
1 Samuel 17:38-40
“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul… So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
Before David fought Goliath, he experienced many private victories with God. God empowered him to kill a bear and a lion. All David needed for victory was God’s presence. When it came time to fight Goliath, he knew he needed God. He didn’t need Saul’s armor or anything else. He went out to fight a giant with nothing but a slingshot—but God was on his side.
David was victorious because he realized he was nothing without God. But with Him and through Him, he could do anything. We must come to that same realization and recognize that, no matter what we are facing, the powerful presence of the Lord is our greatest need.
3. David sought God, not a title or position.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
David was not looking to be king. He never sought a title or position. Instead, he sought God and His presence above all else. He didn’t look like a king. He was a shepherd boy who ran after God and worshiped Him. God knew David’s heart, and that is what set him apart. David wanted God above anything else.
Sometimes, we can get caught up in seeking a title, position, or even God’s benefits instead of seeking Him first and foremost. God is greater than any title or position. Seeking Him first and having a heart that chases after Him will make us people after His heart!
4. David accepted responsibility for sin and repented.
Psalm 51:3-4
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.”
David committed some serious sins. When David sinned, he was quick to repent and accept responsibility. He did not try to justify or make excuses for himself. He cried out to God, acknowledged his sins and shortcomings, and accepted the consequences of his actions even when they caused him great pain. He admitted that what he did was evil. He repented and worshiped, even in and through heartbreak.
To be men and women after God’s heart, we must learn to repent quickly and accept responsibility for our actions. Only then will we receive true forgiveness as God cleanses our sinful hearts.
5. David had a hunger for God and His Word.
Psalm 19:7
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
David had a great hunger for God and His Word. He knew that God’s Word was perfect and refreshing. He knew it was true, even when challenging situations made it difficult to trust God. David allowed the Word of God to refresh and sustain Him. He was hungry and desperate for God’s Word.
Throughout his life, David repeatedly witnessed God’s faithfulness. He knew he needed God’s presence and His Word. To be people after God’s own heart today, we must realize our need for the Word, cry out for a greater hunger, and prioritize it daily.
God wants each of us to be a man or woman after His own heart. We don’t have to be perfect, but when we seek Him with all we are and put Him first, we will realize that He is truly all we need. If we understand and live out this profound truth, we will be people after God’s loving heart, just like David!
