“I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22b). This beautiful compliment, “a man after My own heart” is one that should characterize every person who wears the name of Christ.
David loved the word of God, “Oh how I love your law!” (Psa. 119:97). This psalm, if not written by David, it certainly expresses his sentiment found elsewhere. We find one who has a great love for God’s word (Psa. 119:47-48) He loves God’s word because it protects him from sin, revives him in trials, and gives him peace of mind (Psa. 119:11, 50, 165). How do we respond to God’s word? Do we hide it in our heart? Do we find it to be a source of comfort in times of affliction? Does it give us peace of mind? If not, we should give heed to the instructions of David (Psa. 1:1-3). We should look to God’s word in all things.
David loved to pray, “I will call upon Him as long as I live” (Psa. 116:1-2). His love for prayer was based upon the fact God had answered him before (Psa. 116:1-2). It was based upon the fact that God had greatly blessed him (Psa. 116:12-13). It was based upon the fact that prayer brought God close to him (Psa. 145:18). How is our love for prayer? Have we found it to be a source of peace “which surpasses all understanding”? (Phil. 4:6-7). Do we “pray without ceasing”? (1 Thess. 5:17). If not, then let us learn to depend upon prayer for our preservation (Psa. 32:6-7).
David loved to praise God, “seven times a day I praise You” (Psa. 119:164). He praised God because of His righteous judgments, His greatness and His loving kindness (Psa. 95:1-7). David was determined to sing praises as long as he lived (Psa. 104:33). Do we love to praise God? Do we delight in singing praises to God in song? Do we take time to praise God in our prayers? David has words to encourage our praise of God. “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming” (Psa. 147:1).
David hated every false way. “I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104). His hatred was based upon his understanding of God’s word (Psa. 119:104). His hatred affected his selection of activities and friends (Psa. 101:3-4, 6-7). What is our attitude toward falsehood? Do we compromise? Do we recognize that we are involved in a “battle” over the souls of men, and are not to think lightly of that which is false? (2 Cor. 10:3-5). David wasn’t perfect, but he softened his heart in repentance to God. We must not compromise on sin. These are a few examples of a man after God’s own heart. We should strive to live in such a way that the same is said of us, a people after God’s own heart.