The Man After God's HeartSample

What does a life of communion with God entail?

As we prepare our hearts for camp, we will examine David's life to explore this question.

David was known for many things: teenage Goliath-slayer, King who unified Israel’s 12 tribes, writer of half the Psalms… Of all he was, one title stands out: he was deemed, by God Himself, to be a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

From how David approached his battle with Goliath, two things about David’s heart condition are evident.

Firstly, David had a burning passion for God. Upon hearing Goliath’s taunts, David simply couldn’t sit idly by and do nothing; he spoke out against Goliath’s reproach of his God (v26b). Knowing the enemy was out there making a mockery of God and His chosen people, David’s soul couldn’t rest.

Secondly, David wholeheartedly trusted God to deliver him. Put against a seasoned warrior several heads taller than himself, anyone would be trembling, yet David’s words were not of fear. He spoke of his confidence in God to both King Saul (v37) and Goliath (v45-47), declaring with full conviction the outcome of their duel.

What gave David, so small in stature -- “but a youth” in comparison to a “man of war” (v33) -- such great boldness to step forth while everybody else remained in fear?

David recalled his younger days when he fended off and even killed lions and bears in the wilderness to protect his flock (v34-35). Whatever fears he might have had initially about confronting such beasts eventually dissipated, as he recognised God’s hand over his life.

David's trust in God to deliver him from this situation was not built overnight; this trust came from his strong relationship with God, and it took David’s own effort to face his fears. More importantly, in the moment of battle when it mattered the most, he actively recognised God’s faithfulness and placed his trust in it again (v36).

Do we recognise the same battles that God is preparing us for in our lives today, and more importantly, will we step out in faith to trust in God?

Reflection:
What are the spiritual battles you are fighting today? Commit them to God, and recount His goodness and how He has brought you through your struggles.