The Heart That Pleases God
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On Valentine’s Day we think of our sweethearts and give expressions of love such as candy, cards, and flowers. A favorite icon is Cupid’s heart with an arrow through it. But what kind of heart does God, the greatest lover, look for? What kind of heart pleases God? The life of David is a great character study of a heart that pleases God. David was called “a man after God’s own heart”. When he was anointed to be the new king of Israel, Samuel wondered if David was really the one that God had chosen. |
God assured the prophet that God does not look on the outer appearance of man but on the heart. King Saul was jealous of David and treated him unfairly hunting him down like an animal! God was testing and preparing David throughout his wilderness ordeal.
John Bevere says in his book Undercover, “As with horses, our breaking process deals with our response to authority. God customizes the perfect process for each one of us and this always entails some form of leadership.” The Word of God tells us, “God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment” (I Peter 2:19 NLT).
You may wonder, “What good does suffering harsh treatment from leaders accomplish?” Bevere points out three ways that the wisdom of God molds a submitted heart through unfair treatment. First, it makes room for God’s righteous judgment. Second, it develops in us the character of Christ. (I Peter 3:18; 4:1) Third, our submission under this treatment glorifies God.
David came to realize that a prerequisite for intimacy with the Lord is a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:16-17; 34:18) “Even though the process is not pleasant, the closeness of His presence far outweighs the hardship involved” says Bevere.
What kind of heart pleases God? Position yourself to inherit a blessing. (I Peter 3:9 NIV)
by: Cliff Sanders