“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.” —1 SAMUEL 13:14

What is the criterion that sets a person apart as useful to God? From the tragic fall of King Saul and the epic rise of King David, we see an essential factor that is important to God.

King Saul was the first monarch of Israel whom God had anointed. He soon disobeyed God, and eventually fell away from Him. In 2 Chronicles 15:2, the Prophet Azariah said, “The LORD is with you when you are with him.” That means God is with us when we’re on His agenda. Saul had ceased to be with God, so God withdrew His Spirit from him, and he no longer had the power, provision or anointing of God. What Saul had failed to grasp is that no one is indispensable to God. It is God who is indispensable to us.

David, Saul’s successor, did not see himself as someone in authority as King over Israel, but under authority as a servant of God. He was a complete contrast to Saul, his will and agenda being totally submissive to God’s. Throughout the books of Samuel, David always “inquires of the Lord” and obeyed what God had said. He repeatedly describes himself as ‘God’s servant’ and continually sought God’s will.

David had no plans of his own, and that’s what simplifies the Christian life considerably. We operate under God’s authority and leave the consequences to Him. It is far more important that we be concerned with the cause, not the consequences, otherwise we’ll start manipulating things in our favour, which often backfires, and worse, leaves God out. That isn’t to say there won’t be fallout. There usually is, but we operate in dependence on God, trusting Him to accomplish His purpose. When things go well, enjoy it, but when things are tough, endure it, just as long as our cause is seeking the will of God.

Jesus said, “Where I am, there my servant also must be” (John 12:26). Jesus is the fixed point. We cannot make our own plans and expect God to bless them. Instead, we recognize His right to reign in our lives and inquire of God what His plans are. Then we step out in faith and obey Him. That was King David, and God called him “a man after His own heart”.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for the inspiration you’ve given me in David. Help me to be someone after your own heart, seeking your will in all things.

TO REFLECT UPON: When situations arise where I am unsure of what to do, am I ‘inquiring of the Lord’ or do I take it on myself?