There is a man whose life is a constant source of inspiration to me and whenever I read his books, even those giving an account of the most unpleasant experiences and mistakes he made, I am sure to find a lesson or inspiration to apply to my own life. This man is none other than David in the Bible.
“But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22
What made David “a man after God’s own heart”? When reading the book of Psalms particularly, it is worth noting that David was a man who had his heart totally open before God. He was never shallow when worshiping God and was lavish in his praises to God. The Psalms he composed contain words so deep that one can tell they came from the depth of his heart. But his openness of heart was not just limited to when he worshipped. What struck me the most about him is that when he sinned against God, he still approached Him openly and transparently told Him exactly how he felt, acknowledging his weakness and his desperate need for God.
“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” Psalm 38:21-22
Psalm 38 in its entirety is an example of how David utterly expressed his dependency on God even in the most weakest and painful moments of his life, and God loved him for that.
A sincere heart is surely something that pleases God. Is your relationship with God sincere and open? Can God confidently say you are a person after His own heart?