I was reading Psalms this morning and came across this verse in chapter 19:
“May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
David desired for his words and heart to be pleasing in God’s sight. He is seeking God’s approval. Do I seek God’s approval? I felt like the fact that I genuinely asked the question without and immediate example of how I do so in my mind answered the question for me. So, then I ask, why don’t I consciously seek God’s approval?
Telling our friends and family members that Josh and I were expecting a baby was a difficult process for me. We weren’t married, we had only been dating a few months at the time and I had just moved about four hours away from my friends and family. Obviously, it was not the situation we desired when we thought about bringing our first child into the world. Naturally, approval was not the first reaction of many loved ones. After a short time, everyone saw this blessing for what it was and we could not be happier now that we have this bright eyed, red head enriching our days. But that ‘short time’ felt like a long time for me. So, part of my process was working to not desire people’s approval. I think during that active working, I lumped God’s approval in with everyone else’s. Yikes.
David is a man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:13-14). I did a little research as to what that means. I found an interesting and informative Q&A on neverthirsty.org. The author explained the chain of events leading up to and shortly following Samuels statement that I just referenced. Saul, the king at the time, acknowledged God and even served Him during his life; but Saul got to a place that his first priority was to serve himself. He became deceitful and lusted for control. Samuel pointed this out in Saul and explained that for that reason, his reign would end and God would raise a new king after His own heart. Enter David.
Now, it is no secret to us that David had a few issues of his own. He was guilty of deceit, lust and even murder. So, why was David different? The mediation of his heart. Mediation means an intervention in a dispute in order to solve it. [Like a court mediator.] Our hearts are flesh created by God. They desire fleshly things, but are made whole in alignment with their Creator. Though death and life both tug at our heart, as they tugged at David’s, the mediator is the love and grace of God, which brings the mediation of our desire for Him. David longed to know and love God. He sought His approval.
That is my desire today. I want to want God’s approval again. He is not man, He’s God. His standards are just. Psalm 19:7-9 lists why God’s favor is drastically different than man’s. The peace associated with pleasing God is invaluable.
Lord, redirect my heart to desire your approval and favor.
Morning Joy 