Day 17: Our Benefactor
of The Heart of God: Through David’s Eyes
Below is Day Seventeen 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
Week 3 - He Longs for Us to Know Him
Day 15: Psalm 51
Day 16: Our Judge
Day 17: Our Benefactor
When David was writing Psalm 51, he was very aware of God’s intention to continue a relationship with Him. He not only saw God as his Creator, but as the one who gives resources and support without the expectation of receiving anything. God is our benefactor who gives generously without needing anything in return.
David wrote about the relationship God initiated with him at the beginning of his life, long before he was anointed king, defeated a giant, led an army, or became king. He thought back to the delicate way God cared for him when it was clear David had nothing to offer him, before his birth.
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. (Psalm 51:5-6)
The connection David has with God was rich and deep, rooted in God’s desire to relate with him. There was a unique awareness that David experienced throughout Psalms that is not a previously-discussed concept in the Old Testament. He did not question or hesitate to express the way God had consistently connected with him even before he was born.
It is not a question that David lived in awareness of God’s love for him. He was chosen, victorious, and rescued by God on the regular. Yet, David experiences the intentionality of God in a personal way.
What stands out to you in David’s words about his sinfulness at birth and before?
Do you have an awareness of when God started loving and teaching you?
If you consider God’s intention for loving and knowing you, what do you understand that to be?
Do you think God longs for us to be faithful from the moment we are created? Why or why not?
When did you first feel called to be faithful to God?
Reflection
Pray for clarity of your value to God. If he considers you and longs to know you and have a relationship with you, why specifically you?
Write any words, phrases, or concepts about who you are from His perspective.
An excerpt of The Heart of God: Through David’s Eyes by Jill Ng