After God’s own Heart – New Hope Christian Center

 

A man [or a woman] “after God’s own heart.”

 

 

It just happens to be David, one example for us, in God’s Word…

“But now your kingdom will not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)

 

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
“Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”

“I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

The Lord Helps His Troubled People

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

The Safety of the Faithful

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.

Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

A Prayer for Guidance

To the Chief Musician. With flutes. A Psalm of David.

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Psalms 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

 

Characteristics of a Man [or a Woman] After God’s Own Heart

1. Obedience to God’s Word

David frequently inquired of God, seeking divine counsel (see 1 Samuel 23:2, 4). Despite failures, he maintained a desire to follow God’s commands. Obedience underscores a willingness to submit one’s will fully to God’s instruction.

2. Repentance and Humility

David’s story includes grave sins-most notably involving Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). Yet when confronted by the prophet Nathan, David acknowledged his wrong, proclaiming, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Samuel 12:13). This posture of genuine repentance set him apart from many who resist correction.

3. Reliance on God’s Strength

When facing Goliath, David confidently declared, “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). This exemplifies placing trust entirely in God instead of relying on human power or position.

4. Spiritual Devotion and Worship

Many psalms bearing David’s name reveal the depth of his worship, reflection, and reliance on God’s steadfast love. Psalm 23:1 declares with intimacy, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Such worship and dependence grew from a heart that treasured regular communion with God.

5. Faithfulness Through Trials

In prolonged hardship under Saul’s hostility, David refused to exact personal vengeance (1 Samuel 24:6). Instead, he honored the Lord’s anointed and entrusted God with justice. Faithfulness in adversity marked his heart as one submitted to God’s timing and ways.

Source: Bible Hub

New King James Version