“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” (v1-8)
This Psalm of David (though it doesn’t specify) may have been written shortly after he became King. It sounds like he is asking for God to rule in his life while he rules in the lives of the people.
It’s no wonder that David was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) king in the history of Israel. He asks God’s permission to let him dwell in God’s tent and take refuge under God’s wings – if he’s remaining that close to God, literally living face to face with God, then surely God will be guiding his paths. David also proclaims “So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day”, promising to spend every day with God, giving Him the glory while performing his royal duties. I don’t think Israel could ask for a better king.
Though it’s true David does sin a few times (a few really big times), overall he is definitely a “man after God’s heart”: “Then they asked for a king, and God… raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ ” (Acts 13:21-22 abr)
Father God, each of Your children longs to be a person after Your own heart. We strive to travel this road, discovering who we are in Jesus. As we stumble our way down the path beside you, please help us up. Father, as we lag behind, please have patience with us. As we get impatient waiting for answers to prayer, please teach us patience. As we sin even when we wish not to, please forgive us, we’re doing the best we can. Oh merciful Father, we sing praises to Your name as we go about our lives day after day.
~ Conqueror in Training