by Kala Loptien

The Heart of the Matter

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 ESV

I think David is the ultimate lyricist and wordsmith. He’s able to write with such emotion because he has a story that has compelled him to do so. Here’s a guy who has been chosen, set apart, blessed, protected…anointed. Yet, here is a guy who made many terrible decisions (more than just the ones we tend to think of) and wandered “off course” at various points in his journey.

God is amazing, isn’t he? His people (present company included) are multifaceted. We’ve been created to reflect His glory from every angle. David is known for his lineage. David also used his life – tests, trials, sins and all – to compose one of the most moving collections of poetry there will ever be. Why is it so compelling? It’s familiar. We read his conflicted heart, and we relate. We hear fear, regret, shame and repentance… and we feel it. We see him broken and humbled. We desire the same response.

God knew His people would need a transparent voice that understood AND would be honest about the condition of his heart. United. Broken. Contrite. Clean. Pure. These are just a few words that David uses in his petitions. He’s raw and vulnerable. He somehow has managed to create a reverse form of empathy that allows us to feel understood. What’s our own response? Do we pray with such fervor? Are we real and humbled in our testimony?

My favorite description of David is that he was “a man after God’s own heart.” Can you imagine being known as such? What does that mean? What would it take? We’ve been given excellent examples — David being one of them. It doesn’t mean we are perfect or that we ever “arrive.” It just means we are undivided. No matter what was or is to come, we sprint after the Lord with all our heart. Then we let him handle the rest. (Bonus reading: Psalm 51)

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado