David's Secret

5-: Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! 6-: Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.

Psalm 119:5-6 (NKJV)

If God called David a man after His own heart, it wasn't because David was pure and holy. We all know that he committed a sin that displeased God and for which he suffered the consequences. When the prophet Nathan came to reveal to him what he would have to face because of his sin, David didn't ask God to forgive him and spare him; on the contrary, he acknowledged his sin and humbled himself before God, imploring His forgiveness while accepting the consequences of his actions.

Aware of his weaknesses and sinful nature, David understood that the only way to avoid continuing to sin was to dedicate himself to God's word. Psalm 119 reveals his love for God's word and the influence of the Lord's laws on his life. We understand that God's word was essential to his life; it was like his very reason for being as a king chosen by God. It was because David had a heart turned toward God that he was able to dedicate his life and time to His word. This was the secret of his success.

When we turn to God's word, we discover another spiritual dimension. We see things differently. However, we must fully commit ourselves to it to see its effects. Some people refuse to open the Bible and study it because they fear that its precepts will be a mirror in which they see themselves as they truly are. They are afraid to confront their sins in the light of God's word. If you want to serve God and please Him, you must make His word the source of your inspiration, your decisions, and your actions. Even if it reveals your true nature, instead of turning away from it, use David's secret: apply its teachings to your life, and you will not be ashamed of yourself.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.