After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, “I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.” -Acts‬ ‭13:22‬ ‭NASB‬‬

The little shepherd boy whom God chose to become Israel’s successor to Saul, Israel’s first-ever king, was also the greatest human king Israel would ever have. David was also the father of Solomon, who succeeded him, and was the wisest man who ever lived. But what made David so great?

With God’s help, little David slew the Philistine Goliath, a giant descended from fallen angels (the Nephilim, or sons of God). He also went on to win many, many military victories for God, recovered the Ark of the Covenant, and even drew up the plans for the first Temple. And Jesus Himself was descended through David’s line.

But David also made many grievous errors of judgment, including adultery (with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah) and murder (he had Uriah sent to be killed in battle). That chain of events started with David’s poor choice to not lead his soldiers into battle, but to kick back at home. That idle time led to temptation, his acting on that temptation, and then the terrible series of sinful events to cover it up. God also told David that he would not build the Temple, since he had so much blood on his hands.

So how, then, could David be great, and one whom God said had a heart after His?

David was great because, despite his sins, he would turn from them (even if it wasn’t immediately) and get back on track with following what God would have him do as His instrument. To have a heart after God didn’t make David sinless or perfect. Only Jesus lived that life here on earth.

So if you’re like me and sometimes revisit past sins in your head, train your eyes and heart back on the Lord. If you’ve already contritely confessed and repented of your sins, you’ve given them to God and thrown them (like heavy rocks) into the ocean. Stop fishing them back out, and let God’s forgiveness free you of that guilt burden so you can live again for Him, with a heart after His own.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. -Romans 3:23-24

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. -Proverbs 24:16

Fall seven times and stand up eight. -Japanese proverb

People love to watch others fall, don’t they?

If you are a professed believer and agent of light, it is a badge that others will be happy to besmirch when you fall. Sometimes, it’s even fellow believers who will unwittingly fall while they judge you!

Falling short is inevitable. We fail the Lord daily. But falling short is not hypocrisy.

Spiritual performance isn’t what gets you into Heaven, nor is it the measure of you as a believer. People and the enemy will love to tell you that you most certainly are your mistakes, and that you are a Christian in name only. Don’t buy into the lies.

The Christian life for us agents in this fallen world is not a sinless life, but one of a journey with eyes on Him while walking in the midst of sin. And sometimes, our eyes will be distracted from Him, and we will sin.

Being a Christian means you aspire to do your utmost for the Lord, whose Son gave Himself on the cross to wash away your sins and secure your salvation. It means you do your very best to honor Him by walking the narrow path, but are also freely forgiven for stumbling or falling off it. It means that when you fall, you get back up, pray your burdens up to the Lord, and get right back on His path for you.

It means that you are free from the condemnation and naysaying that others will pile on you. Your identity in Christ means you are loved, treasured, and forgiven. God sees you in your finished state, not the moment of your fall. He knows that your darkest moments and seasons are only part of His whole plan for you becoming ever more Christlike with each step.

It’s all in getting back up on your feet as He lovingly watches you and assures you He is with you every step of the way…and knowing in your heart that His love for you and how He sees you is all that matters…and that you will continue to make Him known through your recovery and continued walk in the steps He’s laid before you.

Today’s soundtrack

Tenth Avenue North’s “You Are More” reminds us of our true value in His eyes, especially in the face of the condemnation of others…and sometimes even from ourselves: