Day 9 – Review 1 Samuel 16

Personal Scripture Reflection

1 Samuel 16: David's Heart

David's heart is revealed through his actions and God's confirmation. Here are five things I have seen about David's heart so far:

A calm heart - He didn't get mad that his dad didn't invite him to see Samuel. The Word of God shows David faithfully tending sheep without complaint, even as his brothers are presented first (1 Samuel 16:11).

A patient heart - Though he has been anointed king, he is still tending the sheep. After the anointing, David returns to his duties, waiting on God's timing rather than seeking after a position of power (1 Samuel 16:13).

A diligent heart - He is known as being with the sheep. David's reputation as a hardworking shepherd reflects a heart committed to responsibility, guarding what is entrusted to him (1 Samuel 16:19).

A humble heart - He is willing to serve King Saul. When called, David enters Saul's court as a musician and armourbearer, serving the very king he will replace, without pride or resentment (1 Samuel 16:21).

A heart for God - He has a testimony of loving God. One servant describes David as "a comely person, and the LORD is with him" (1 Samuel 16:18), indicating his devotion and the evident presence of God in his life.

Genesis 8:21, reveals why I need my heart in alignment with God's will. "And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

I would have certainly failed the first test of a calm heart. Realizing I was not invited to see the prophet Samuel would have negatively affected my sense of belonging in the family. My respect for my father would have definitely deteriorated.

Some reminders for me about the direction of my life:

God sees me even when I'm overlooked by man.

Don't seek man's approval but the approval of God.

God desires a heart yielded to Him.

What did you learn from Chapter 16?

How are you aligning your heart to God's like David?