It is something noteworthy that despite having committed adultery and murder, King David was still singled out by God as “a man after His own heart” (c.f. Acts 13:22).

So how did he qualify as a man after God’s heart?

Being after God’s heart

I believe that David qualified as a man after God’s heart because he lived a life of repentence. He was a man that kept his heart soft and tender to the love, leading and voice of God. 

Even when he fell into sin, he was humble enough to respond to God in obedience when rebuked. And God honoured his obedience as it was under David’s rulership that Israel was at its peak and enjoyed political stability, peace and prosperity for many years.

Learning from David

I take heart that God does not look at our accomplishments or our good works in determining our righteousness. It is by the saving grace of Jesus that I can stand righteous before Him with confidence.

Being man that is still prone to sin, I am assured that with this same grace and the power of Jesus’ blood, I have the ability to overcome sin and sustain my pursuit of holiness.  

Thanks to God for the deposit of the Holy Spirit in us for sensitivity and power against sin.  And His truth to guide and set us free from the enemy’s schemes and bondages in our lives.