I have found David son of Jesse,
a man after my own heart.
—Acts 13:22
In his uncontrolled lust, David violated five of the Ten Commandments: murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, and covetousness.
Weighed on the scales of such sins, how could he be described as a man after God’s own heart?
First, when confronted with his sin, he admitted it and repented. From his perch of power as king, he could have murdered the messenger. But no, he confessed, “I have sinned” (2 Sm 12:13).
Second, unlike Solomon, his son and successor, he did not turn aside to other gods; he was “fully devoted to the Lord” (1 Kgs 11:4). From the bottom of his heart he sang, “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Ps 18:1–2).
Have his heart.
Sing his song.