Lately I’ve thought a lot about what it means to have a heart for God, to know the heart of God and what it meant for David to be called “a man after God’s own heart”. “And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” Acts 13:22
Each morning as I seek to spend time in God’s word I find my heart yearning for more; more time in His word, more of Him in me, more of His heart in mine, more of a heart for God.
With this desire, my heart cries out for God to help me make this a reality in my life; but then I feel my own smallness and inadequacies. I feel my unworthiness rise up to remind me of who I am and who I am not. My failures come before me taunting me; and thus within my brokenness, I seek Him pouring out the desires of my heart before Him wanting a heart for Him as never before.
Where better to turn than to the scriptures from a man after God’s own heart.
In my heart’s longing to be near Him: “My soul longeth, yea, even fainter for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalms 84:2
In my heart’s acknowledgement of my inadequacies: “For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.” Psalms 40:12
In my heart’s daily need of who He is: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14
In my heart’s desire to be pure before Him: “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try my reins and my heart.” Psalms 26:2
In my heart’s seeking to be near Him: “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8
In my heart’s desire to glorify Him: “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psalms 86:12
Each day is a new reality of the continual process of seeking to have a heart for God. Each day I desire to have Him living within me and through me; as I continue to pursue a heart for Him. “I will put my laws into there mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.” Hebrews 8:10b