Developing A Heart For God (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Although David was a man of many faults and failures he was still called "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22). Having a heart for God means that you never lose focus on your God.

David exhibited five qualities that allowed him to stay focused on God. These same qualities are needed in each of our lives, if we are to have a heart for God.

We must...
1. Be humble before the Lord. (1 Samuel 18:5, 7, 14)

• David was successful in his military pursuits, but he never lost sight of who he was and who God is. Success has the tendency to make us proud and self sufficient. As we humble ourselves before the Lord we realize that we can do nothing by ourselves. That keeps us pursuing the Lord for His help, which develops our heart for God.
  

2. Be committed to God's Word. (Psalm 119:47-48)

• David loved Scripture, which always led him to God. Living according to His Word draws God close to you and you close to God. A "heart for God" develops with increased understanding of His Word and our obedience to it.
  

3. Be busy in God's service. (Acts 13:22, 36)

• From the beginning when David was chosen to be the King of Israel till the day of his death...he served his generation well. It's through serving the Lord that we learn how much we need God and it drives us to Him for His divine help. This facilitates a heart for God.
  

4. Be repentant when we fail. (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51)

• When David failed God he confessed it to the Lord restoring his fellowship with God. Sin prevents us from developing a heart for God and it must be dealt with quickly.
  

5. Be trusting of our God. (2 Samuel 22:1-4)

• David understood the importance of the Lord's strength in stressful times and he turned to Him to find help. Anytime you are seeking the Lord you are developing a heart for Him, especially during troubles.