A man after God's own heart

I Samuel 13:14 picks up in the middle of a conversation between Saul and Samuel. Saul's favor in the eyes of the Lord has faded and Samuel is carrying the message that Saul's kingdom will not be established because he could not keep God's commands. Samuel tells Saul "the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart". That man of course is David.

As we get to know David, we know that he is not without his own faults, and in fact commits adultery and murder later in the situation with Bathsheba and Uriah. But the story is not ended there. In what could be the greatest example of how God can rebuild someone, of how incredible the redemptive power of His spirit is, David is not known only as another in a long line of fallen men of God. Instead, David is known as a man after God's own heart. He is known as someone who had an intense devotion to the Lord, who spoke to Him continuously and listened for His instruction as well as any man. David's name is a great name, not so much for what he did, but more for what the Lord was able to do through him. If there is any question, just look at the book of Psalms. David's prayers are well documented there.

Petitioning God for the things that lay on my heart is a very constructive thing to do I believe. It certainly helps bring God into the situations in our lives where we need His guidance and support the most. But most of my time in these prayers is spent telling Him what I need. Very little of it is spent actually listening to what He might be trying to tell me.

While I am no David, I want to be known as he was...and not by the world, but by the Lord. I want to be a man after God's own heart. I want to hear His heart beating. But I'll never be that until I stop talking long enough to hear what the Lord is trying to say to me. It takes discipline I think...to be still and know that He is God...to listen and know His voice. But discipline like this brings holiness and a clarity of purpose in my walk with Christ. And for that, it is well worth the price.

Lord, you know the longings and concerns of my heart. You know the words on my lips before a sound is uttered. You know my waking and my lying down. Father, give me ears to hear Your voice. To feel You moving in the world around me. To hear Your heart beating. Thank You for the name of Jesus, Your provision through the Holy Spirit and Redemption of my sins offered through Your grace. Amen.