In response to David being a man after God’s own heart, I’ve heard people say, “Yea, but that was said before the Bathsheba incident.” I’ve heard people write off his witness after that period of failure in David’s life. It is true that David failed…he failed big time, but I don’t believe that David’s heart really ever changed. I think he died with the same passion with which he lived. I think he had a heart that desired to please and honor God even after the Bathsheba incident.
Consider this passage:
Nevertheless, for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not failed to keep any of the LORD’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:4-5 NIV (Emphasis mine)
Do you see that? After David’s life had ended, God’s word still records him as a man following after God’s own heart…except in the case of the fall with Bathsheba.
What’s my point? How does that impact your life?
That one “except” in your life….that one moment…that one season…that period of indiscretion…does not disqualify you from being a man (or woman) after God’s own heart. I know too many people who have disqualified themselves from God’s call on their life because of their past mistakes, but I’m not sure God has disqualified them.
Bottom line: Your actions don’t determine your standing with God; your heart does. Actions indicate a heart’s direction, so if there is repetitive, unrepentant sin in your life, one would have to question your heart, but if your heart desires to be like Christ and give Him glory with your life, don’t beat yourself up for your exceptions. Keep in mind, people can say about you whatever they choose to, but no one knows your heart (other than God) like you do.
Focus your life from this day forward on being like Christ and being found faithful.
Have you had a hard time letting go of your past and accepting God’s grace in your life?
What/Who is holding you back from doing so today?
For previous posts on David being a man after God’s own heart, click HERE and HERE.
By the time I reached the end of this post, I was crying too hard to see the screen. THANK YOU!
Praise God.
Beautiful
Thanks
Thank you for the message above.
Trying to be a man after God’s own heart!
Amen. thank you.
Ron – Really enjoyed your posts on David, and this one is particularly encouraging. Found your blog today through David Santistevan.
Thanks Rob! Glad you are here!
Appreciate the perspective. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
I like Dan Allender's take on this in "Leading with a Limp" athttp://thepathlesschosen.com/
"God chooses leaders who aren’t deceived by the myths of power and control, but who realize that God’s power is found in brokenness."
I am familiar with Allender's book, but not the website, so thanks for pointing me to it.
For a while I thought my church was holding me back from letting go of my past, and as I look back on that season, I was somewhat justified in feeling that way. However, I'm so glad that God gave me some temporary thick skin and directed me to stay with that congregation. I have seen pockets of persecution and judgement turn into communities of compassion in some amazing ways since that time. It's all about God's grace!!!
I'm currently reading through 1&2 Samuel and am learning that the Bathsheba/Uriah incident is not the only time David strayed a bit in his actions, but his heart ALWAYS returned to God.
I would hate to count the times my heart strayed…glad it has ALWAYS returned to God! Thanks!
I’ve been following your tweets for some time now, and I think this may be only the second time I’ve actually visited your blog…but I can say that you’ll definitely be on my reading list now. This was a great post, so timely, and much needed in the Christian community. Thank you!
Thanks Kim!
This is a very encouraging thought! I'm bewildered at the ammount of power "except moments" have over us. These moments not only allow an issue to arise between us and God but they also have the ability to continuely encourage seperation from Him. I know for me, I can be side tracked for weeks at a time. It feels like you're swimming against the tide as the waves do wih you as they please, encouraging me to just quit fighting it. Thankfully, for me, I have found if I just stop struggling and get back to the basics of "swimming" I can reach the shore.
"Get back to the basics"….wow….I agree and identify with that comment. Thanks
Thank you for this post. I have things I know God has forgiven and forgotten, but I can only see as a beating stick and proof of my failures. Wrong, I know. Some things just seem impossible to forget.
I always say…don't forget them…Remember than God has forgiven, then keep the memory to remind you of HIs faithfulness and grace and His ability to use your failures for good. Consider this post:https://ronedmondson.com/2009/10/stop-avoiding…
thank you for the further link. Good reminders. I do see that God has kept me humble thru my failings and that they have given me testimony to others going thru like experiences.
And, David prayed the prayer of repentance (Psalm 51) that opened the door for Christ to come into the world. David's cry, "Create in me a clean heart, O Lord!" (verse 10) was for the whole human race–and God's answer was a resounding, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…" (Ezekiel 36:26). God knew David would turn to him as soon as he was convicted of his sin. David's heart was not divided–he fell into a trap just like we all do in one way or another. Christ made the way of escape for us and released the power of God's absolute love to help us overcome and avoid those traps!
Yes, and i love Ez 36:26! So thankful for a new heart!