A Man After God’s Own Heart

“The LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.”  I Samuel 13:14

Probably one of the greatest Bible heroes of all time was King David.   Although he messed up many times in his life, David still came back to God, and never ceased to be a man after God’s own heart.  However, what was so special about David? Why was he the Lord’s choice?   

First of all, we see David was a spiritual man.  He shared a very close relationship with the Lord and had a heart that was pure and useable for the Lord’s work.   God looks for those with hearts like His own. II Chronicles 16:9 says, ”For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 

Not only was David a Spiritual man, He had humility as well.  God seeks those with committed hearts. His choice is the one who is teachable, humble, dependent, and reliant on Himself.  David was a servant. He was not concerned about getting the glory for himself, but instead gave God all the glory.

Lastly David was obedient to the Lord.   I Samuel (17:12-20) shows David’s obedience. He was obedient to his father by taking care of his duties at home, and running food to his brothers at battle. Obedience was a priority in David’s life and the Lord noticed that in David.

David was special to the Lord because of his close relationship, humility, and willingness to do whatever God would have him to do.  May we strive today as Christians to follow the example of David.  Remember that God is looking for a special man, a man after His own heart.

Joel Buckingham