Why Study David?

I’ve been studying the books of Samuel and the life of David. Many of the stories I have heard several times over the years, but this time God was challenging me to go deeper. To go beyond the surface stories of intrigue and drama to the the heart of David which is the real story.

David is known as the “Man after God’s own heart.” His victory over Goliath would help you believe that, but his sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah, would make you doubt, as many people have for centuries.

When you think about how you will be remembered wouldn’t it be wonderful to have people say, “_________________, was a woman/man after God’s own heart? That statement speaks volumes about a person’s character. To be remembered as a person that God put his own stamp of approval on would be the ultimate.

David was a man with a tremendous relationship with God and I want that too!

In that relationship were times of sweet communion, joy, discipline and correction. David’s life is full of examples of trusting God, seeking God, repentance and living with the consequences of our choices while experiencing God’s grace. As Beth Moore stated, “We cannot out sin God’s ability to forgive.” Praise God!

So how do I become a person after God’s own heart? I’m going to start by diving deep into studying the life of one who was, David. I want to see beyond the surface and seek to understand why God would refer to him that way and then strive to do the same.

David wrote Psalm 51 after his sin with Bathsheba and I think that its a good place to start. We get to see his heart as he cries out to God in humble confession and with a sincere desire to be restored to a right relationship with God.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
 Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
 Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
 Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

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.

 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

 May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Did you see where David told God that after he had been forgiven and restored he would teach transgressors God’s way? I believe that God did forgive and restore David and that David lived out his life to teach others.

The consequences of his sins were great. For the rest of his life there was constant strife in his family and his kingdom. But through it all he honored God and never complained to God that it was too much. He accepted responsibility and was the greatest earthly king that ever reigned over Israel.

My prayer through this study is that God will create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. I want to be a woman after God’s own heart and have a powerful, exciting and beautiful relationship with Him.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for slowing me down and showing me that there is so much more than surface study. Guide me as I dive in and learn about what being a person after Your own heart is really like. Change me and make me new in You. Help me to help others do the same. I want and need Your Holy Spirit everyday. Thank you for guidance and I look forward to all that You have to teach me in the days and weeks to come. In Jesus’ name, amen.