Bible Character – David
Multiple times in the Bible we see David recognized as a man after God’s own heart. David was sensitive to the leadership of God in his life.
We first learn about who David would become when God rejected Saul’s reign as recorded in 1 Samuel 15. At the time God said this to Saul through Samuel, David was only a boy of 8 to 12 years old. God knew that though David was young, he would grow up to be a man in tune with God’s heart and plan for Israel.
We remember David for the many Psalms that we cherish. This was not because he never had problems, he wrote many of the precious poems amid trouble. David knew that his strength came from God. We enjoy his writings today because he was a man who knew how to lean on the Lord during times of adversity. What he wrote in Psalms about trusting the Lord applies to us today.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:2 (ESV)
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:1-2 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Lessons to learn
- We should seek God’s heart above all things
- Those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame.
- God works with us despite our imperfections
- We should be loyal friends – David extended love and care upon his late friend’s son, Mephibosheth even after his friend Jonathan died.
- God hears us when we call on Him