I have always been fascinated with the title that was given to King David. I love the fact that David, although imperfect, was chosen by God to be transformed from a shepherd to a king. In David, we see one who appears to be an unlikely candidate (not even considered as a possible choice by his father when the prophet Samuel showed up on the scene), to perhaps the finest leader Israel has ever had.
What was it that God saw in David that made him stand out? What made him so beloved by God?
As I read the scriptures one theme certainly stands out regarding this king. David is passionate for God. David’s has a heart for God. David knows God intimately.
Life was not easy for David. As a young man, he was given the lowly job of a shepherd. Once anointed to be the next king, David had problem after problem with the current King Saul. His life was constantly threatened. He lived a life on the run. His wife was taken from him and given to another. As if that weren’t bad enough, people were afraid of him and the band of men that surrounded him. Once he became king, he had conflict within his home. He lost a child. He committed the sin of adultery and murder and that sin was made public. He later had a child try to take over his throne, which resulted in another child’s death. He and his family were exiled, and while on the run, a son publically slept with the wives left behind.
Life was not a piece of cake.
And yet, David continued to praise the LORD. David lived a life of transparency before the LORD. David humbled himself before the LORD. David’s life goal was to live for the LORD and be obedient to Him.
Personally, I love David’s heart for the LORD. I love the way he speaks about God. It is honest. It is relatable. It is beautiful.
As David’s life is coming to a close, David begins to prepare his son Solomon to become the next king of Israel. The words that David speaks to his son are words I believe we all need to hear and be reminded of.
“…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. So take this seriously.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (v. 20a)
Friend, may these words stir within each of us a desire to live a life that is more intimate with the LORD. And may our desire then become an action. We too can have a heart for the LORD, like David.
Blessings!