March 16 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the Bible knows that David is described as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). Have you ever wondered what this means? Did he sit around all day reading the Old Testament law? The expression does not mean he had a very special relation with God or that he was less sinful than others. On the contrary, David’s life was riddled with sin. He was a man who committed adultery, murdered, lied and coveted what did not belong to him. He tried to cover his sinful tracks. When the apostle Paul refers to David as “a man after God’s own heart,” he does not stop there. A Saviour needs to be born from this man’s descendants (13:23).

David was a very sinful man but he turned to the Lord and saw the need for Christ and His mercy. Psalm 25 is clear evidence of this. David struggles with fear, loneliness and guilt because he loves the Lord and sees his own wrongdoing. He humbles himself before God in prayer and asks Him to forgive the sins of his life. David asks the Lord to guide him, teach him the way that he should go, and guard his life. He pleads upon the promises of the Lord and in those promises he finds his strength and confidence. David knows that those who fear the Lord can confide in Him and bring all their needs to Him. All those who fear the Lord have a special relation with God, not through what they have done for Him, but in what He has done for them in His sovereign good pleasure. This was true for David and remains so for us.

The Lord God confides in us in a relationship of friendship. That’s what friends do—they can speak with each other about very personal matters. “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him.” (ESV) God confides in us and tells us those things that are dear to His heart. In the relationship He established with us He does not keep us at a distance. The Lord discloses to us His wonderful plan of salvation. His heart goes open to us as to an intimate friend. He shares His secrets with us. He confides in us who do not deserve anything. The Holy God confides in us who are sinners, unholy and unclean. This amazing and marvelous truth provides us with sufficient means to assist us through the troubles of each day.