THE HEART OF THE MATTER
In Acts 13:22 we read, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”
THE HEART OF THE MATTER. In our verse for today, we find an incredible statement from God Himself. Again,the Bible says, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart…” Did you know of all the people mentioned in Scripture, only David is described this way? That description alone should make every one of us stop and ask: What made David’s heart so special to God? When I was a young believer, I grew to love the stories of David. His life seemed larger than life. As a boy, he showed great courage by facing the giant, Goliath. Early on, he was musically gifted. He wrote songs of worship that are still sung today. Later, he became a great military leader of the armies of Israel. And yet, he was also tender enough to pour out his heart and weep before God. But David’s true greatness was not found in his strength, abilities, talents, or even his victories over his enemies. It was found in his heart. God Himself described David as “a man after My own heart.”
GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART. When God chose David to be king (see 1 Samuel 16), David was just a young shepherd boy. His father, Jesse, didn’t even think to bring him with his other brothers before the prophet, Samuel, when he was choosing the next king. To Jesse, David was just a runt of a kid and unimportant at the time. But God said something powerful: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). It is a fact, so often people judge by appearance, talent, or position. But God looks deeper. He examines the heart. Though only God could fully see David’s heart, David’s words and actions show what it means to have a heart after God. Here are several qualities we see in David’s life. 1. A PASSIONATE HEART. David loved God deeply and worshiped Him with his whole heart. In Psalm 103:1 he wrote, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” David didn’t give God leftovers—he gave Him everything.
2. A HUMBLE HEART. Despite his victories, David never forgot that everything he had came from God. In 2 Samuel 7:18 he prayed, “Who am I, O Lord GOD…?” Pride says, “Look at what I’ve done!” But humility says, “Look what God has done!” 3. A DEPENDENT HEART. David continually sought the Lord’s guidance and the Lord’s strength. In Psalm 63:7–8 he wrote, “Because thou hast been my help… my soul followeth hard after thee.” He knew true strength comes from staying close to God. 4. A GRATEFUL HEART.
David praised God in every season of life. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Even in hardship, praise still flowed from his lips. 5. A REPENTANT HEART. David was not perfect, but when he sinned he repented sincerely. In Psalm 51:4 he cried, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned…” A heart after God is quick to return to Him after failure. Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” HOW ABOUT YOUR HEART?
God is still looking at hearts today. Not your position. Not your reputation. Not your accomplishments. Your heart. Ask yourself: • Is my heart passionate for God? • Is it humble before Him? • Do I depend on Him daily? • Do I live with gratitude? • Am I quick to repent when I fail? If your heart has grown cold, distant, or hardened, the good news is that God can change it. Spend time with Him each day. Talk to Him in prayer. Open His Word. Confess your sins. Seek His presence. Have a true heart-to-heart with the Lord. Remember, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart! Jesus wants to be your closest friend and guide in this life, if you will only let Him. Think it over…🙏