The Heart of David

                                                                                                                                                               

Aloha Dearest Family,

                There are many great men written about in the Bible. One of the men who can truly be called great is a man named David. There is a great deal written of him, from his days as a young shepherd boy, till the time of his death as King of all Israel. God thought it important to tell his life story because he was truly a man after God’s own heart, and he endeavored to seek God’s Will in all things.

                Now David was not perfect and he made plenty of mistakes, but what set him apart above others was his fervent love and yearning for God and His Word. David was also a skilled musician and songwriter. Many of the Psalms in the Bible were authored by David and it is through these psalms that we see his true heart and his all too human frailty and emotions. At times in praise to God, at other times in sorrow and desperation, David continually turned to God, his constant companion, for His strength and guidance. Here are some examples:

                 As a shepherd for many years David was inspired to write Psalm 23 with God as the great shepherd:

                “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. “ (Psalm 23:1-3)

                When David and his household were fleeing from Absalom his own son, he wrote,

                “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. . I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” (Psalm 3:1-3, 5 and 6)

                David fought many battles and he always asked God to help him and to preserve him.

“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.” (Psalm 35:1-3)

After many years of war, God gave him rest from all his enemies and he wrote,

“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3) 

                David had a great love and respect for God’s Word. In Psalm 19 he wrote,

                “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.”(Psalms 19:7-9)

 David loved to gives praise to God and never missed an opportunity to sing about it.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:1-3)

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:1-5)      

     

David was very human and faced many of the same kinds of situations that you and I might face today. Yet David knew who he could count on to help and to guide him. David’s help was his God. What a perfect example for us to follow.  

At one time in his life, God had revealed to David that from his bloodline would come the promised Messiah. This king would one day sit upon his throne and his kingdom would have no end (Luke 1:32 and 33). WOW! What a promise! How this would have thrilled David’s soul! It is ironic that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would have needed to study in detail the life of his ancestor David, especially the Psalms of David, which reveal so much of David’s heart and love for God. Psalms that told of a personal and vital relationship with the God of heaven. Jesus would do the same. Remember that the Psalms also reveal the power and the goodness of a Heavenly Father who looks upon you and cares for you as he did David.

                        Love Always, Ray