Scripture

1 Samuel 13:13-14 ESV

And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

Consider

Scripture tells us that God called David, King Saul’s successor, a man after his own heart. How could it be that David—a man of grievous sin and shattered relationships—found such honor in God’s eyes?

The answer: David unshakably loved God and ever pursued him. He credited God with every blessing he received and every victory his army enjoyed. Everywhere he looked, David recognized God’s designing mind and sustaining presence. In his suffering, whether from illness, fear, or a guilty conscience, David looked to God for rescue, comfort, and renewal.

David got himself into trouble when his pride and power as king deafened him to God’s voice. Nevertheless, he never hardened his heart toward God.

As David’s psalms reflect, throughout his life David loved and trusted God even in the darkest times, when enemies threatened or when he felt the devastating consequences and guilt of his own sin. David earnestly pursued God and desired God’s favor and forgiveness more than he valued the admiration of his peers or the riches and glories of being Israel’s king.

Pray

FATHER, thank you for your Word, which has preserved the thoughts and acts of David for us to read and ponder. I pray that, like David, I might have a heart that ever pursues you and seeks your face and your favor above all else. Help me to recognize and confess my sin before it becomes a barrier that keeps me from sheltering in your love and forgiveness.

Reflect

Psalms 32 & 66

Ponder

In what concrete ways can I pursue the heart of God this week?