“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 provide for us and exemplary account of David and his character. The prophet Samuel informed King Saul that due to his disobedience that God had sought a man after his own heart who would lead his people on the throne.

A man after God’s own heart was one that had a pure heart. One who sought the commands of God and desired to serve Him only.  Saul in his disobedience failed to follow the commands of God.  He made numerous attempts to kill David trying to eradicate him out of his sight for fear he would take over his kingdom.

Jealousy, rage, obsession, and wrath had taken hold to King Saul’s heart. He no longer had the Spirit of the Lord guiding and keeping his actions. However, David was of good courage and godly character, 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 pure heart and God’s divine favor allowed him to forgive and respect even his enemy. King Saul and his son Jonathan were ultimately killed, and the news reached David. It was not a joyous occasion, but one of mourning and sorrow for those he honored, loved, and respected.

We can learn from the life and actions of David. It is a clear picture of the 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 you 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 the Christ that lives within us. We must always remember that the lost will know and see God by our love.

We are new creatures in Christ, if we live in the spirit of the world -how will others know that we have changed-where is our testimony? We can rest assured that when we follow the commands and seek God with our whole heart…. all is well. “For is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

My friends, God knows the heart of every man…is your heart right with Him today? Let us faithfully place our trust in the One who is the lover and keeper of our souls…stay in prayer, humbling ourselves as in the words of His servant David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.

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