David: A Man After God’s Own Heart

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David: A Man After God’s Own Heart

by Erin Clay

Ido not know when I first heard King David referred to as, “a man after God’s own heart,” but it resonated with me. This man lived a life that caught the attention of God at a very young age. He became one of the greatest Kings that we read about in the Bible, even though he did not live what many would see as a perfect life. What about David made him, “a man after God’s own heart”?

The story of David shows that he had a personal relationship with God. He regularly read and meditated on the scriptures. He openly sang, danced, and played music in worship to his God. He also prayed…a lot! It was what was in David’s heart that made his relationship with God so spectacular. He fully loved God with all his heart. He was not ashamed to dance in the streets to celebrate God.

David prayed to God.

As I examine my own relationship with God, I think about how many times I have gotten discouraged and did not immediately go to God in prayer. I am reminded of what my husband and I told our kids when they were young—prayer has two parts: talking to and listening to God. I ask myself, “Do I take the time to listen to God?”

David also spent time in God’s Word. The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. Spending time in the scriptures is how we get to know God. Not just reading, but also examining and learning them. In Psalm 119:11, David wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” It is important to know what the Bible says. I believe this goes beyond simply learning your favorite Bible verses. It also means learning the scripture around the verses to understand why the scripture is in the Bible. It is learning about who God is and what He expects from me.

David had a heart full of love for God. It is what is in your heart that overflows. In David’s case, the overflow of his heart was singing, playing the harp, dancing, and

shouting praises for the Lord. When David worshipped God, he really worshipped. He did not just go through the motions. So many times, I feel like I am distracted while worshipping, and I am not giving God the full attention he deserves. Worship must be intentional.

I think the story of David’s life captures my attention so well because David gives me hope. He was a man that went through hard times and never gave up on God. David is referred to so many times in the Bible. He led by example and is someone that we can admire and learn a lot from.

You can find the story of David in 1 & 2 Samuel.

About The Author My name is Erin Clay, and I am a wife, mom, and stepmom. My husband and I are Sunday school teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. I’ve lived my whole life in Rome, Georgia, and I own the travel blog titled “When In Rome, Georgia.”

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