After God took Saul away, God made David their king. This is what God said about David: ‘David, the son of Jesse, is the kind of person who does what pleases me. He will do everything I want him to do.’
Acts 13:22 ERV
In Acts 13:22, the Scriptures highlight David’s unique relationship with God, describing him as “the kind of person who does what pleases me.” So, as we delve into the concept of how grace comes, let’s revisit the life of David to glean valuable insights. David’s journey began in the humble role of a shepherd, tending to his father’s flock. It is essential to note that he didn’t wait until he had his own flock to learn the art of shepherding. This observation raises intriguing questions: How did God’s grace locate David while he was diligently occupied with his father’s business? What qualities in David’s character drew God’s favour? In this exploration, we will uncover the virtues that made David a man after God’s own heart, and we’ll consider how these principles can shape our own lives.
Meanwhile, the text underscores a crucial truth — God is ceaselessly searching for usable men and women. He is searching for a virtue within each of us. It took God to find this virtue in the life of David. God’s testimony here does not include the report of men, not even of angels. God was searching and He found David.
In David, He discovered a man perpetually pursuing His heart; a man with a humble heart. David’s life was marked by a relentless commitment to fulfilling God’s will, a trait that resonated with the Creator. This pursuit of God’s heart wasn’t an occasional endeavour; it was a constant, unwavering dedication. David’s deepest desire was to bring joy to the heart of God. He epitomised a man who wholeheartedly sought the Father’s will, a virtue evident in his actions. So, God called him a man after His own heart.
Similarly, David’s teachable heart manifested his humility. God saw that if He reveal His will, David would not resist or question. On the other hand, he would embrace it wholeheartedly and will do everything God wanted. This humility before God allowed David to be moulded and used according to God’s divine plan. When God finds a heart that willingly obeys, He pours out His grace abundantly.
Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
Proverbs 3:34 AMP
Therefore, let’s pause and reflect on our own lives. If God were to search our hearts meticulously, what would He find? Would He discover a selfless heart or one tainted by selfishness? Are our actions driven by a genuine desire to please God, or are they merely for personal gain, recognition, or convenience? These questions compel us to introspect and assess our motives. If our lives don’t align with the testimony God gave of David, it’s time for a transformation.
In conclusion, the grace of salvation is available to all. It sets the foundation for us to become “the kind of person who does what pleases God.” Just as David’s pursuit of God’s heart brought divine favour, our sincere and humble quest to please God can unlock His grace in our lives. God’s unwavering search continues, and He eagerly awaits hearts that, like David’s, relentlessly pursue His will. He is searching for humble and teachable hearts. May we all aspire to be people after God’s own heart, inviting His grace to shape our lives.
