When reading the historical narrative of David's life (1 Samuel 16-I Kings 2) one is frequently perplexed, to say the least, at David's conduct. His words and actions seem rather out of character for one who God said was "after my heart," (Acts 13:22; 1 Sam. 13:14.) But as you read his life's story carefully you begin to see why God evaluated his character thus.

David had a heart that would not fail. He told Saul, when speaking of Goliath, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine" (1 Sam. 17:32) and fight he did. David's heart did not relent on this memorable occasion; he placed his trust in God and took the battle to the enemy (17:34-ff), a trait of character he demonstrated throughout his life. "Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." Ps. 27:14

David had a heart that could be touched. When he cut off the edge of Saul's robe, "David's conscience (heart) bothered him" (1 Sam. 24:5); his "heart troubled him" (2 Sam. 24:10) after he numbered the people; and when, after the sin with Bathsheba, he spoke of "the bones which Thou hast broken" (Ps. 51: 8) he spoke of a broken heart. David sinned often but never lost that sensitivity of conscience which leads to repentance: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Ps. 34:18

David's heart prayed. When told that God would "make a house for you" (2 Sam. 7:11), David said "Thy servant has found courage (heart) to pray this prayer to Thee" (7:27). His grateful heart never ceased to express thanksgiving. for undeserved blessings: "I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders." Ps. 9:1

David's heart was "toward" his children. After not having seen his son for three years, "David longed to go out to Absalom" and it was obvious to those around him (2 Sam. 13:38-14:1). Sadly, David failed often in the rearing of his children (1 Kings 1:6-7, e.g.), but he never lost affection and concern for them. What parent has not empathized with David when he pleaded, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (2 Sam. 18:5)? And how often have our emotions been stirred when reading David's lament upon learning of his death: "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I have died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (vs.33). Absalom may have been (no, he was) a scoundrel but his father's love never ceased to long for reconciliation nor to grieve over his spiritual condition. It was the voice of experience which said, "Just as a father has compassion on his children...." Ps. 103:13

David had a heart that wanted to please. Solomon said, "Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to my father David, Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart" (1 Kings 8:17-18). Certainly a heart that wants to please is not all that God wants--- our deeds must conform to His will---but this is where acceptable lives and worship begin. "I delight to do thy will, O my God..." Ps. 40:8

When inclined to feel negative about the character of David, compare your heart to what you find in David's and read the Psalms.