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Why David was a “Man After God’s Own Heart” (Repost)

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An often-confusing term concerning the Biblical character of David is the term “man after God’s own heart”.

Have you ever wondered what that really means? What does that kind of heart even look like? There is one verse from the writings of David that I believe perhaps best captures the meaning behind this phrase.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

(Psalms 16:2)

That’s it. Pretty simple, huh?

But, it’s really not that simple.

David recognized that the only good in him was the God in him. Great godly leaders and people are willing to step aside from their own need for ego building and self-confidence and humble themselves before an almighty God.

I have heard before that President Theodore Roosevelt often went outdoors at night, looked up into the vastness of the universe, simply to remind himself of his humanity compared to the vastness of the universe. I think that is an important principle for all of us that claim a leadership title.

Next time someone asks you why David was called “a man after God’s own heart”, point him or her to Psalm 16:2. It’s an attitude of heart…of recognition…of worship.

(Every year this is one of my most read posts. You might also read “David Remained a Man After God’s Own Heart (Except that time…)” , “10 Reasons David Is A Man After God’s Own Heart” and “5 Thoughts on Leadership from the Life of David“)

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 5 Comments

  • KENNY says:

    When i think of just how bad and terrible a person i really am,i repent and ask GOD to forgive me.Then unfortunately i go back to being the same foolish man i was! However, i then think of king david and how he never committed the same sins twice,but depended on GOD to deliver him.So i am now able to move forward in asking with complete confidence that the same GOD that called david a" man after HIS own heart " will not only deliver me,but will also say the same about me!
    I thank GOD for his mercy and sacrifice on my behalf and am truly one of HIS followers…
    PRAISE HIS NAME!!!

  • morry method says:

    I desire that kind of intimacy with Him above everything else in life

  • katoanh says:

    I love this!

  • Deb says:

    This is the cry of my heart as well… to be a woman after God's own heart. That speaks to me of intimacy and depth in a relationship with God. I desire that kind of intimacy with Him above everything else in life. The more I worship, the more I walk in it.