A Man After God's Heart
Today’s Verse:
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. ~1 Samuel 16:18
David is one of the great characters of the Bible. He is often described as a man after God’s heart. A man after God’s heart is a strong description of someone who loves the Lord and seeks to fulfill His will. God desires that each of us model this description of David. Let us consider the attributes of a man after God’s heart.
David was an heir.
He was known as the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite. Jesse was well-known as a good, hardworking father who turned out good sons. Everyone who receives the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior is an heir of God. We are sons of God. As a son of God, we are expected to bear a resemblance to our Father and our family. A man after God’s heart must first be a son of God.
David and his harp.
He was well-known for his music ability. His hobby of playing the harp after a hard day’s work brought him a sense of relief and comfort. He is described as cunning in playing. He played exceptionally well. He played so well that the men in Saul’s kingdom took notice and recommended him to play for the king. His hobby became a ministry to the king. In his later years, his hobby became a blessing! Many of the psalms may have been penned to the playing of his harp. A man after God’s heart uses even his hobbies to be a blessing.
David was hardworking.
As a shepherd, he worked long hours, including watching the sheep through the night. Shepherding was at the bottom of the list of most-desired occupations because of its rigorous demands and risks. David developed a heart for the care of his father’s sheep, a trait that would prepare him to care for the flock of Israel one day. His work ingrained within him resilience, discipline, and vigilance. He is described as being prudent in matters. This came as a result of the care of the sheep and learning to make good decisions in the field. A man after God’s heart is one who is hardworking and diligent.
David was heroic.
He is described as being a mighty, valiant man and a man of war. He fought with lions and bears to recover sheep that were taken by these predators. He was not afraid of challenges. He was the only man in all of Israel who willingly accepted the challenge of the Philistine giant, Goliath. He could handle the weapons of a sling, stone, and staff with expert precision. He saw victory when others saw defeat. He saw the glory of God when others would rather forsake God. A man after God’s heart is one who is courageous and heroic.
David was handsome.
He is described as being of a beautiful countenance and goodly to look to. He kept himself well-groomed, clean, and presentable. He presented himself as a gentleman. He was respectful about how he dressed in the audience of others. He was dressed appropriately for each occasion of life. He knew that how he presented himself before people affected his testimony and their respect of him. A man after God’s heart presents himself as a good testimony to others for the glory of God.
David was honorable.
The most important thing said about him is that the Lord was with him. He was honorable and holy at the same time. It is a great testimonial when others can testify that you have been in God’s presence without you saying anything. His words, his works, and his wisdom bore witness that the Lord was with him because he was with the Lord. A man after God’s heart majors on spending time in God’s presence.
Make it your life’s desire and goal to be known as a man after God’s heart. Seek the Lord, lift up the Lord, and promote the Lord through your life.
Have a consecrated God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 38-40