Psalm 51 - David, A Man After God's Own Heart

The Scripture says David was a man after God's own heart. Why? Was David perfect? No. Was he sensitive to the Spirit of God? Yes. David wasn't called a man after God's heart because of he was king, or his exploits, or even the strength of his character, necessarily. We know David sinned just like you and I.

But David always turned to God. When he was happy and experiencing great success - he looked to God and worshipped and thanked him. When he was troubled and in danger of his life - he looked to the God of Israel for protection and strength, calling the LORD his "strong tower." When he was frustrated and angry with what was happening around him and to him - he looked to God and addressed his anger directly to the Most High. And even when he had committed great sin - he looked to God.

Psalm 51 is an incredible look into the heart of David. We know that David looked to God during nearly all of life's circumstances because he so frequently would turn to God by grabbing his pen (or whatever writing technology he had back then) and witting his heart's prayers out for us to read. We read over and over in the Psalms David's heart's cry is to God.

What an example to follow. How often do you and I turn to God? When times are tough? But what about when times are good? Do we remember to thank Him and worship Him for the blessings? Do we remember to thank Him and worship Him for the trials and suffering in life? Do we address our frustration and anger to Him, knowing that only He holds the key to our frustration and our healing? Are we gut level honest with God like David was?

I don't want to idolize David. He was just a man, and clearly didn't get everything right - he was a sinner too. He needed the coming Messiah just as much as you and I need Jesus the Messiah who has come. But David is called a man after God's own heart, and that's something I'd like to cultivate about my own character.