Day 14: Remaining Faithful

of The Heart of God: Through David’s Eyes

Below is Day Fourteen of the study, but there is an introduction to check out which gives context and sets the tone, and previous weeks to look at below. If you would like the full content all in one place, this book is now available for purchase on Amazon. 

Week 1 - He Longs for Us to Know Who We Are 

Week 2 - He Longs for Us to Respond

Day 8: Being Bold

Day 9: Extending Mercy

Day 10: Inviting Accountability

Day 11: Confessing Freely

Day 12: Mourning Brokenness

Day 13: Accepting Consequences

Day 14: Remaining Faithful

Throughout the rest of David’s life, David continued to pursue knowing God and honoring Him with his life. Later in his life, he desired to build God a temple, relied on God when his son was trying to kill him, and wrote dozens of songs and poems of gratitude that were published. David, yearned for God to receive the glory–even until his final breath.

These are the last words of David:
“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
    the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
    the hero of Israel’s songs:
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’
“If my house were not right with God,
    surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
    arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
    and grant me my every desire.
But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
    which are not gathered with the hand.
Whoever touches thorns
    uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
    they are burned up where they lie.” (2 Samuel 23:1-7) 

Notice what David is focused on: the ownership of his relationship with God. He was imperfect, flawed, and sinful, but David cared about his choices, and, more importantly, the impact they had on his relationship with God. He is very aware that the reason he saw victory and goodness was due to his reliance and fear of God. David, especially when he was king, relied on God to be so many things. As we continue this study next week, we will unpack a well-known Psalm and try to see God through David’s eyes.

1. While the author of 2 Samuel points out David is exalted by God and a hero, David focuses on God’s instruction and guidance. He points to God’s authority. What does David’s final words tell us about him? 

2. Have you considered what you would say with your final breath? Take a moment to brainstorm a handful of phrases that you would like people to think of when they consider you. 

Reflection

It may be time to ask God to allow you to notice His guidance and authority in your life as David did at the end of his life. Write a prayer reflecting the ways he has already transformed you and ask Him to become who you are reliant on. 
moving forward? 

An excerpt of The Heart of God: Through David’s Eyes by Jill Ng