“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.” — Psalm 51:7, 10-11.

David’s plea for mercy is the very indicator of what made him who he was: a man after God’s own heart. His prayer was reflective of a humble heart.

Obedience to God was the cornerstone of David’s life. His life and heart were set on God. He was not afraid to surrender himself fully to the Lord.

He learned to wait for God’s blessing, which is something that required tremendous discipline.

Having a “heart for God” is a theme that is woven like a thread throughout David’s life.

(And Samuel said to Saul) … “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” — I Samuel 13:14.

“And when He had removed him [Saul], He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.’” — Acts 13:22.

David made fellowship with God a priority. He writes in Psalm 16:8: “I have set the Lord continually before me.”

Then, he writes in Psalm 42:1: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God.”

David placed his complete trust in the Lord. Apart from this kind of abandonment of self, God cannot work freely in our lives.

David was consumed with a passion to obey God. Obedience is a cornerstone to the Christian faith. If you are in a difficult situation, be patient and be obedient to God.

David had such a firm faith in God’s goodness that he was determined to wait a lifetime if required. He waited 15 years from the time Samuel first anointed him as king as a shepherd boy at age 15, until he was crowned king at age 30.

David had a spirit of humility. Even though he was handsome, courageous and a national hero, David continued to give God credit for his life.

 “You have also given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand upholds me; and your gentleness makes me great. … Therefore, I will give thanks to you among the nations, O Lord, and I will sing praises to your name. — Psalm 18: 35, 49.

David had a servant’s heart. He never forgot the life he lived as a shepherd boy. The intimacy he shared with God was more valuable to him than all the kingdoms of the earth laid at his feet.

Foster is a past board member of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International from Westfield, Pa.