“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. 

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel provides for us and exemplary account of David and his godly character. The prophet Samuel informed the first monarch of Israel, King Saul that due to his disobedience, God had sought a man after his own heart who would lead His people on the throne.  “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” Matthew 22:37.

Exactly what does it mean to be a man after God’s own heart? my friends, Jesus gives us the answer!  “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37. When we love God with all our mind, heart and soul…we will seek to follow His commands, and serve Him only.

Saul in his disobedience failed to follow the commands of God; jealousy, rage, obsession, and wrath had taken hold to his heart. He no longer had the Spirit of the Lord guiding and keeping his actions; he even made numerous attempts to kill David trying to eradicate him out of his sight for fear he would take over his kingdom.

In contrast, the Spirit of the Lord was with David. He respected and loved the Lord’s anointed king regardless to his treatment and desire to murder him. David’s purity in heart and God’s divine favor allowed him to forgive and respect even his enemy. Scripture goes on to tell us that King Saul and his son Jonathan were ultimately killed, and the news reached David; even though King Saul turned to despise and hate David, this was not a joyous occasion, or triumphal victory…but one of mourning and sorrow for those David honoured, loved, and respected. “But I say unto you, Love your enemites, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44.

We can learn from the life and actions of David. It is a clear picture of the selfless love that God wants us to display to our neighbor. “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.” Luke 6:32. It is quite easy to love those who love us back…but the love of God in our hearts should be extended to all men, especially to those who do not love us in return. It is a clear example of Christ unconditional love for us, the lost will know and see God by our love.

If we make choices to live in the spirit of the world -how will others know that we are the children of God-where is our testimony? We can rest assured that when we follow the commands God and seek Him with our whole heart…. He will use every trial, tribulation, and triumphant victory that we encounter as a testimony for His glory. “For is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. So, hold on, keep the faith…God is only using you!

Let us search our hearts and motives in all that we do… may God give us a clean and pure heart to follow and serve Him only! “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. -God give me a clean heart that I may follow thee-for I am not worthy of all these blessings!

God blessings of love, grace, and great joy be with us all!