A Heart For Intimacy - King David

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

Psalm 139:1-3

In the dark days of World War I, a British soldier caught creeping back to his quarters from the nearby woods was taken before his commanding officer and accused of passing information to the enemy.

“What were you doing out in the woods alone?” his commander barked.

“I went to find a quiet place to pray,” he answered.

“Have you been in the habit of spending hours in private prayer?” his CO demanded.

“Yes, sir!” the accused replied.

“Then down on your knees and pray now!” the officer growled. “You’ve never needed it so much.”

Believing he didn’t have long to live, the soldier knelt and poured out a heartfelt prayer based on his long-standing, intimate relationship with God.

“You may go,” his commander said. “I believe your story. If you hadn’t been often at drill, you couldn’t have done so well at review.”

King David enjoyed an intimate relationship with God. In Psalm 139, he expressed his understanding of God’s omniscience (he knows all), omnipotence (he has power over everything), and omnipresence (he is everywhere).

How did David know these things?

He knew God intimately through spending much time with him!

David had read about God in his written Word, had learned his own need for God’s forgiveness and mercy, and had often enjoyed God’s protection and blessing.

In his intimacy with God, David invited God to know him in the same way: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Nothing shapes your life like an intimate, growing relationship with God. When you cultivate that kind of relationship with your heavenly Father, you can fully enjoy his goodness and love.