The Heart of the Father in His Children--by Linden Malki

We must never forget that we are made in the image of God--which means that we can learn what God is like by what He wants us to be like.  The prophet Samuel described God as looking for a "a man after his own heart", and He chose David to rule His people. Let's look at the heart of David. This is not a timid man who never did anything wrong, but when he did get off track, he admitted it and asked God to transform his heart.  Look at what it took for David to become that man:
Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. (Psalm 26)
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27)
I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.(Psalm 40)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51) 
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (Psalm 78)
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. (Psalm 86) 
I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. (Psalm 101)
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. (Psalm 108)
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the  angels I will sing your praise. (Psalm 138)
  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (Psalm 139)

This is a real challenge! And David knew there was only one way to have the heart that God intended: by humbleness and by the power and grace of God Himself. 

Jesus told us a parable illustrating this heart: we read it in Luke 15.  One of the differences we see between the two sons is that the younger son, though he was very selfish and irresponsible, did come to his senses and ask his father for forgiveness.  The older son complained, but may not have ever asked his father for anything beyond his "rights". The father, another man after God's own heart, forgave the repentant son, and reminded the older one that he still had his rewards to come.  In both cases, they got more than they deserved! 

 Look back at David's relationship with God, and think about how blessed we are in our heavenly father, and be thankful that David left us a legacy of seeking the heart of God.