“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.” (1 Samuel 13:13-14)

“Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ So he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.’ Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’ So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:10-13).

God chose David who is a man after God’s own heart to be the next King of Israel.  David loved God’s law and would meditate upon his commands and decrees. Of the 150 psalms in the Bible, David is credited for writing over half of them. In Psalm 119:47-48: David wrote: “For I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.”  Writing at various and often troubling times in his life, David repeatedly mentioned how much he loved God’s perfect Word.

David had absolute faith in God. Nowhere in Scripture is this point better illustrated than in 1 Samuel 17 where David as a young shepherd boy fearlessly slew the Philistine, Goliath. Shortly before the duel, we see direct evidence of David’s faith in verse 37 where David says, “‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you!’” David was fully aware that God was in control of his life, and he had faith that God would deliver him from impending danger. David knew early on in life that God was to be trusted and obeyed.

David was not a perfect man. He sinned against God through his pride, his adultery with Bathsheba, and murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite. When he was confronted by Nathan about his grave sins, David repented from his sins and gladly faced the consequences of God’s punishment. He wrote Psalm 51:1-2: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” This is a hallmark of his true repentance.

David experienced God’s mercy, love and grace throughout his life. David was submissive to God’s will and would do all that God required of him to do. As a result, God blessed him richly and established his kingdom.

Let us emulate David by loving God’s Word. Let us meditate and obey His Word. Let our confidence be in God Almighty who loves us. Let us repent, forsake our sins and resolve to be a Christian after God’s own heart.