Wholehearted Devotion
As I continued my study of King David I found another quality that made him a man after God’s own heart; devotion. The definition of devotion is love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause, prayers or religious observances.
King David was giving words of advice to Solomon as he was turning the kingdom over to him. In 1 Chronicles 28:9 it reads, “acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”
That’s advice that we should all follow.
The first part of that verse said to acknowledge God, not just in general as the higher power that He is, but on a daily personal level. One way is by asking Him to be the Lord and Savior of our day and submitting to His authority and direction. Beginning our day with a decision to serve God places us on the right path from the start.
Next it says to serve Him with wholehearted devotion. I like the part in the definition above that mentions enthusiasm for a person. How enthusiastic are we for God? Is He our greatest pleasure?
I attended the ISU Homecoming football game this weekend and events like that are good reminders of how devoted people can be to something or someone. Painted faces, logo gear, cheering and tailgating. There was also plenty of devotion by the alumni in the form of recognition and monetary contributions.
David had that kind of wholehearted devotion. He danced before the Lord without abandon and regardless of the criticism he received, he continued because he was doing it for the Lord and not the praise of man.
The third part of the verse is to do it all with a willing spirit. The Lord wants our motives for service to be for the right reason and that is to honor Him because we want to, because we choose to and because it pleases us to do so. The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind our thoughts. So He knows if our service is forced or willing.
David set a beautiful example of a willing spirit as he prepared the necessary items for the construction of the temple. He had stored up large sums of money and supplies from the battles that he had fought and then he gave out of his personal wealth as well. The leaders saw the willingness of his giving and followed his example.
He was devoted to the end. Although his life was filled with ups and downs, his heart was devoted to God. He knew that God was his hope and salvation. He knew that God was his refuge and strength. He knew that God was merciful and full of forgiveness and grace. He knew that God was worth every ounce of devotion that he could give. God was worth it and it was a joy and delight to serve Him.
My Prayer
Father, I thank you for David’s example and the hope that it gives me as I choose to love and serve You. Like David, at times I fail and You are always there to lift me up and begin again. Thank you Lord for Your grace and mercy. Help me to live fully devoted to You and with a willing spirit. I want my joy and delight to be in You Lord. I choose You today and everyday. Create in me a pure heart Lord and renew a steadfast spirit within me. I desire to live in Your presence and be lead by Your Holy Spirit. The joy of doing Your will Lord, will be my delight. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.