Have you ever wondered what it was about King David that causes Scripture to say he was dear to God’s heart? He certainly didn’t merit it by strict obedience to God’s laws. A person doesn’t have to be a Bible scholar to be aware of how David had an affair with the wife of one of David’s most loyal men in his military and then had her husband murdered when she became pregnant with David’s child. A less known story about David in 2 Samuel 13:1-39. Whenever I read or think of this story I can’t help but grieve for the woman, Tamar. I wonder if the story would have been very different if only David had been a good father to his children, defended Tamar instead of fueling the flames of hatred which burned in the heart of her brother by David’s own refusal to deal with the matter with justice.

So if it was not David’s obedience to God’s laws that earned him a place in God’s heart, then what did? I believe at least part of the answer is found throughout the Psalms in which David pours out his heart to God. The Psalms are full of examples of David expressing exactly what was on his heart, whether that be exuberant praise, anger over injustice, appeals for mercy and/or protection, or confession of sin.

Recently I have been struggling with feelings of anger and hurt. During our growing up years we were taught that anger was sinful unless it was over the improper use of God’s house (the church). Instant forgiveness was mandatory no matter what the offense was or how frequently it occurred. It has taken years of therapy to get those wrong beliefs erased from my thinking. It is hard to trust God as a father who will defend and protect me, and who allows me to express my genuine feelings to Him. Even now I grapple with trusting God instead of defending myself. You can be sure it will be a focus of my therapy time coming up in a couple days.

1. 2 Chronicles 6:42
O Lord God, turn not away the face of [me] Your anointed one; [earnestly] remember Your good deeds, mercy, and steadfast love for David Your servant.
2. Psalm 51:1
[ Psalm 51 ] [ To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had sinned with Bathsheba. ] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.