a heart after You: week 5 (final week)

Reading for today: Psalm 139

David was a man after God’s own heart. For the last few weeks, we have been looking at the stories of David to figure out what it means to have a heart after God.

It doesn’t mean that we are better than the average guy. It doesn’t mean that we have it all figured out. It doesn’t mean that we’ll always do the right thing. And if we screw up, it definitely doesn’t mean that we’ve lost our chance.

You see, having a heart after God’s own heart is simply seeking Him above all else. And when you seek God, He will be found and He will change your heart.

So that when you are facing giants, you hold onto Him. When you are in the middle of an I-don’t-know-what-to-do situation, you beg Him for guidance. When you are in the wrong, you listen to Him and you adjust back to His will. When you recognize His blessings, you dance for joy.

And if you break His heart by turning completely away from His will, His Spirit will allow your heart to break as well. He will humble you, and you will ask for forgiveness, which He will graciously give. And then you will understand what is at the heart of God – His mercy, His forgiveness, and His unbelievable love.

Dear God, Please give me a heart like yours. Teach me Your mercy, Your forgiveness and Your amazing love. Amen.

This week begins the season of Lent, what better way to learn of God’s heart than to study and meditate on the mercy, forgiveness, and love that God showed through His Son, Jesus.

This week, as we prepare, we will read through some of the Psalms of David.

Day 2 – Psalm 25:4-10

Day 3 – Psalm 37:3-6; 23-24

Day 4 – Psalm 86:1-12

Day 5 – Psalm 103:1-13

 

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a heart after You: week 4

Reading for this week: Psalm 32

But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. ~ 2 Samuel 12:27

This week you will read about the lowest point in David’s life. As you read this story, though, you won’t feel sympathy toward him. Instead, your heart will probably go out to the man he murdered and to the child who died as a consequence. Then, you will start to question whether or not God had it right when he called David, “a man after my own heart”.

In the shadow of David’s shame, in the horror of what he had done, David even has the audacity to turn to God and ask for mercy.

This week as you read the story of David and Bathsheba and Psalm 51, pay attention, not to the grievous sins of a king, but to his process of restoration. As you read, look for these three responses: confession, prayer, and worship. Then answer the question: How is David’s heart like God’s, even through this tragedy?

*Hint: After this week, there should be no doubt in your mind that you too can have a heart like God’s own heart.

Dear God, My sin is always before me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen.

This week let’s read about the whole story of David and Bathsheba.

Day 2 – 2 Samuel 11

Day 3 – 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Day 4 – 2 Samuel 12:15-24

Day 5 – Psalm 51

 

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a heart after You: week 3

Reading for today: Psalm 86:11-13

 

Abigail kneels before David by James Tissot

Hot-headed David grabbed his sword and called his 400 men to do the same. Without consulting God, David planned to bring down judgment on his worthless neighbor, Nabal. In the eyes of the world, he had every right to teach Nabal a lesson, but it was not the right that God had given him.

Thank God for Nabal’s discerning wife, Abigail. Her quick-headed thinking not only stopped David and his army from decimating her entire household, but she also saved David from bloodguilt.

Sometimes we stand at the intersection of God’s desires and our own. If we are so blessed to have someone intervene on our behalf, pay attention. Stop what you are doing, and thank God for his unsolicited guidance.

*Hint: As you chase after God’s heart, know that He is already chasing after yours.

Dear God, Thank you for putting people in my life who show me Your heart. Amen.

This week, let’s read David and Abigail’s full story.

Day 2 – I Samuel 25:1-13

Day 3 – I Samuel 25:14-31

Day 4 – I Samuel 25:32-42

Day 5 – Psalm 15

 

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a heart after You: week 2

Reading for today: Psalm 32:8

“And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him.” ~I Samuel 18:14

These past few months, I have been considering a career move. The thought of it has kept me up at nights, it has woken me up early in the mornings, and it has turned my stomach for days. Basically, I don’t know what to do.

This week’s passages about David speak directly to those “I-don’t-know-what-to-do” moments. When David was unsure of what move to make, he inquired after God. And after each prayer for guidance, God guided.

God’s guidance is varied and never promises to be the same each time, but it is always available to the one who asks.

The first lesson on having a heart like God’s own heart is quite simple: Seek God. In every situation, ask for His wisdom, seek His counsel, and pray for His guidance.

*Hint: Seeking God’s help doesn’t mean that you will know how it ends. But God knows how it will end, and He promises to get you there.

Dear God, I want to have a heart like yours. Guide me in ___________________. Give me your counsel and wisdom. Lead me in the path marked out for me. Amen.

David’s prayers for guidance to God:

Day 2 – 1 Samuel 22:3-5; 23:1-5

Day 3 – 1 Samuel 23:9-14

Day 4 – 1 Samuel 30:7-19

Day 5 – 2 Samuel 2:1-7

 

 

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