A Woman After God's Own Heart

The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. David? David, who committed adultery? David, who murdered to cover up his dirty deed? Yes the very same David. If we look at the character of David we may get a glimpse of what God saw in him. David was deeply spiritual and often spoke to God. He continually asked God direct questions. In both1st and 2nd Samuel, David asked God about going up against the Philistines and God always answered David. David was in continual commune with God. David trusted God and when he fell into sin he repented without making excuses. He owned up to his sin and was deeply sorrowful for he had sinned against God. David trusted that God forgave him. His heart completely belonged to God, and David wanted to please God. He loved his enemies as we see with his dealings with Saul in 2 Samuel 1:17-27. David was not happy when Saul died; he cried for him and his son Jonathan. David gave his enemies second chances because he was merciful and he had been shown great mercy from God. We can point out David's faults and say he isn't qualified to be called a man after God's own heart. But God saw David's heart. Acts 13:22 states, " I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." With God on David's side he could conquer anything. God was David's shepherd; his protector. Who wouldn't want that; to be called a man (or woman) after God's own heart!

When I think about what an honor to be called a 'woman' after God's own heart, I automatically start to think worldly, and thoughts of inadequacy surface. 'How could God ever call me a woman after His own heart when I have failed at so many things? I'm not worthy to be called a woman after His own heart.' Then,The Holy Spirit reminds me that God looks at my heart; not the way society looks at me. He doesn't condemn me for missing a night of prayer or saying something that would have been better left unsaid. Yes, I am thankful The Holy Spirit will convict me when I need to repent and be reminded of those little and big mess ups. However, I think God made it simple for us to be 'women' after His own heart. David loved God, and when you love someone you will do anything for that person. You want to be around that person all the time. You cherish them and serve them with all your heart, mind, and soul. You trust them and intently listen to them. You follow their advice because you know it is what is best for you. You show mercy and forgiveness to others just as the one you love has done for you. God saw all those things in David. When others saw a shepherd boy; God saw a king! When others saw an adulterer and murderer, God saw a broken and contrite heart as seen in Psalm 51.

We may think we are just ordinary people on this Earth trying to do the best we can, but God sees us as His sons and daughters. God looks at our hearts. He knows when we are doing something out of obligation, or if we are doing something because we truly want to please God. What is the motivation of your heart? Do your actions and words reflect what is truly on your heart? None of us are qualified to be called 'A daughter after God's own heart', but neither was David and yet God still considered him as a man after His own heart. God saw David's motivation; his heart, and He sees our hearts today.

Are you fully surrendered to God in all areas of your life? If God is speaking to you to go another direction either in your career or to sacrifice an hour of sleep every morning to spend it with Him; would you do it? Some would say, "Yes, Lord here I am," while many would say, " I don't think he really wants me to do that". God knows the motivation of our hearts. Do you want to be a woman after God's own heart? Look at your own heart first.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me an earthly example of what a person after God's own heart looks like, through David. Help me to see the motivations of my own heart in all areas of my life. God, check my heart and show me what I need to surrender. Create in me a clean heart. May I be blessed to be called a woman after your own heart. Amen

Bible Verse:

Proverbs 21:2

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

Hebrews 4:13

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

1 Samuel 16:7

Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.