(1590-1656), King David Playing the Harp
David had more attributes than these seven listed below, including a few that were not always upright. He wasn't perfect, nor are we.
Yet, something about David caused God to make such an incredible and wonderful statement about him, "a man after My own heart."
I hope someday to hear God say that I have a heart after His.
The book of Psalms reveals much about who David was and the kind of heart that he had for God.
"And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22
The above passage was spoken in regards Samuel prophesying that King Saul would be removed, and David would replace him.
Here are seven attributes of David's character.
1. David was faithful
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalms 23:6
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple." Psalms 27:4
2. David had Faith in God
David didn't fear Goliath and there are many other occasions where David showed that he had no fear as he trusted in God.
"And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26
"Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:7
"Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD." Psalms 112:6-7
3. David Sought God with all his Heart
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalms 119:2
"But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." Deuteronomy 4:29
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7
"With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." Psalms 119:10
4. David Trusted in God
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalms 27:1
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Psalms 23:4
5. David was Reverant
"I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalms 18:3
"For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods." Psalms 96:4
"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Psalms 145:3
6. David Desired That Everyone Would Praise God
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalms 100:1-5
"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." Psalms 150:1-6
"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." Psalms 89:7
7. David was Humble
"Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity." Psalms 62:9
"Both low and high, rich and poor, together." Psalms 49:2
"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah." Psalms 39:5
A closing thought: Even when Samuel was sent to anoint one of the sons of Jesse, as directed by God. Samuel looked for the greatest man, he wasn't expecting a child. David wasn't even present at first.
When Samuel expected that God would have him anoint one of David's brothers, here is what God said to Samuel.
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
All of the characteristics listed above, testify of David's heart for God. The book of Psalms reveals much, much more about the heart of David.