“…For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
David began his journey in the wilds, rearing his father’s sheep. It was in this environment that God showed up and taught him to slay giants, beginning with the lion and bear and eventually Goliath. David never presumed to take any glory but gave God His due. Here it was; God was forming David’s heart.
David showed his faithfulness by remaining humble, and even after being anointed as the future king of Israel, he became more consumed with God. This could be seen in 1 Samuel 17:45 when he slew Goliath while relying on God’s strength and power. David’s humility distinguished him from seasoned warriors and allowed him to face any challenge because he sought to please God. In 2 Samuel 22:29-31 (NKJV), David praised God for being his lamp to enlighten his darkness, Who can make him go against any troop. The God Whose ways are perfect, His words are proven, and He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
David’s heart was so humble that he had the capacity to recognise and admit his sin, take responsibility, and repent (2 Samuel 12:13). In Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV), David cried out to God his understanding of humility, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.” David was honest with himself rather than making excuses; he owned up to his sin.
Additionally, he showed honour and respect for God’s servant, even after he was rejected and pursued. Not one day did he lift his sword against King Saul. David understood authority and had a loyal heart. He was always humble, consistently giving God all the glory for the good and confessing and repenting for the bad. He saw no reason to exalt himself, but God did it for him (2 Samuel 5:10).
David always looked to God for direction. Even when God refused his offer to build a temple, he praised Him. Only a humble heart could receive God’s will over his own and respond with praise as David did (2 Samuel 7:18-22). Humility is truly a condition of the heart.
Prayer
Lord, help me to have a heart like David, filled with humility, respect, and love, like a man after Your own heart. Amen
Read: Proverbs 11:2; James 4:10Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 89:38-45; Romans 13; I Chronicles 7; I Chronicles 8
