Jan 15, 2020

A Heart Like David

One of my goals this year is to study my Bible more. Not just read it, but actually study it. Particularly, I'd like to finish the whole of the Old Testament before the year ends. I started last year but have kind of slacked and put a pause on it. Time to hit play and resume now.

To help me maintain my goal, I thought it would be best to share some of the lessons in the form of a Bible Character study. So for today's character study, we're looking at the famous man after God's own heart: David.

The story of David is relevantly well known. A simple shepherd boy who was chosen by God and anointed by the great prophet Samuel as the next king of David. He later defeated the giant, Goliath, with only a sling and stone. And after years of troubles, running and hiding from enemies, He finally became the King over all Israel.

The thing about David is that, even as a shepherd boy, at a time when he was treated with no importance, a time when he had nothing, he still loved and trusted God. Even when he became king, he continued to seek God, letting him direct his decisions and affairs.

David loved God so much that he wanted to build a temple for Him. He was troubled by the fact that he lived in a grand palace whereas the ark of God had no significant resting place. Although God promised that David's son, Solomon, would be the one to build His temple, He still acknowledged the fact that David thought of Him and blessed him accordingly. Even after David's death, the blessings that God showered Him with extended to his descendants. You could tell from the story of David that he had a personal relationship with God.

But as human as David was, he obviously had flaws. From adultery to murder and even later on to putting his trust in his possessions rather than in God's ability to protect him (2 Samuel 24:1-17). Another great weakness of David was his inability to teach his children to walk in the way of the Lord. You see, we can love God and serve Him with all our hearts. But if we fail to teach those around us how to also walk in God's love, it can ultimately have a negative impact on us later on. And that's exactly what happened to David.

One of his sons, Amnon, raped his sister of another mother, Tamar. Her brother Absalom, as an act of revenge, killed Amnon and later on rebelled against his own father. This led David to flee and go into hiding. Can you imagine that? A whole King of Israel, being forced to go into hiding by his own son. The consequences of David's poor teaching of his children led to multiple deaths and sorrow. Absalom eventually was killed, resulting in the loss of another son.

From the story of David we can learn three main things.

1. Despite our situation, we must love, trust and serve God always

David served God as a shepherd boy and didn't forsake him even when he became king. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, in lack or plenty, in poverty or wealth, we have to continue to look to God and be humble. For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

2. We must teach others the ways of God

As we are walking in the path of righteousness that God has set us on, we have to also teach others to do the same, because in the long run, the negative effects of not doing so could become a burden to us. God expects us to share his teachings with others and build each other up in the faith.

...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

3. Strive to know God for yourself

When we talk about David, we normally call him, 'The man after God's own heart.' We as believers and children of God, are privileged to have His Spirit within us, so we even have a greater chance of knowing God. There's nothing stopping us from becoming children after God's own heart. Let's make it our goal to really really seek God with all our hearts.

Make sure to read about the story of David (1 Samuel 16- 1 Kings 2). Have a blessed day loves.

What are your thoughts on King David? Feel free to share in the comments below, through email or social media. I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to share as well.

Stay blessed and stay a blessing.