a man after God's heart...

David is often described as a man after God's heart. What exactly does it mean? My initial thoughts would be he does things that are in line with God's will. But a further look into 1 Samuel during team meeting helped me receive deeper insights and clarity on this commonly used phrase so that I might use it with a better understanding the next time.

• David was FAITHFUL to what he was assigned to do. Despite the fact that he was given the role of a shepherd, compared to his brothers who were reputable, he was faithful to take care and protect the flock that was under him. His faithfulness was further shown in 1 Sam 17:20 where he left his flock under the care of a keeper even before going to the battle site.
• David was GOD-CONSCIOUS. In his replies to both Saul and the soldiers, David recognized that whatever situations he faced as a shepherd, God was the one who helped him through them. Even as he went forth to fight Goliath, he knows that God will help and lead him through.
  
• David was SENSITIVE to what is right. Knowing that Goliath's challenge was a upfront challenge to the living God, David stood up against him despite the fact that Goliath was a warrior since young and huge in size compared to him, a young man with a normal stature.

With these 3 qualities in mind, I am praying that God will help me to work on these 3 areas and be a man after God's heart! :)