5/28
((from Abbie))

Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test? After you finish the thirty minute long questionnaire, you are given the key that holds all personality related type answers. Those four little letters hold so much information, and I, personally, find them to be fascinating. What is even more interesting is that the test categorizes you with other famous names from history of your same personality type. It’s essentially a way to make you feel top notch about yourself, but I love it just the same.

So, imagine my surprise when I read that I have the same personality type as David. A man after God’s own heart, what??!? Esteem officially boosted. David has always fascinated me. He has always just seemed so… real. He clearly did not try to write an “Instagram worthy caption”, but instead, wrote straight from the heart.

Lament mixed with conviction mixed with pure joy mixed with deep praise, I’ve always been able to run to the Psalms and read encouragement, no matter the season that I’m currently in.

The Psalms cry out for healing:

“Give ear to my words, Oh Lord;
Consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
My King and my God.” (5:1-3)

They ask for deliverance:

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
Heal me, Oh Lord, for my bones are troubled.
My soul is also greatly troubled.
But you, Oh Lord—how long?
Turn, Oh Lord, deliver my life;
Save me for the sake of your steadfast love.” (6:2-4)

They request guidance:

“Make me to know your ways, Oh Lord;
Teach me your paths.
Lead me in our truth and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation;
For you I wait all the day long.” (25:4-5)

The list of unique treasures that Psalms holds could go on and on, but there is one primary characteristic that makes Psalms my book of choice when feeling a deep feel, and that is the authentic worship found in almost every chapter. No matter the circumstance, David always chooses to praise.

“Oh Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
You have established strength because of your foes,
To still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which you have set in pace,
What is man that you are mindful of him,
And the son of man that you care for him?
Yet, you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:1-4

The Psalms are a beautiful tool to utilize throughout all walks of life.

I have many theories as to why David was called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. Perhaps it was the deep emotional well David felt, and how he beautifully used his words to paint a picture of these emotions. Maybe it was the raw honesty that David used when he spoke with God, like an old friend. It could be the way he persevered through trials, never giving up on the Relationship that was most important to him. But, I would contend, that it also had to do with the way David rejoiced. He was authentic with his struggles and turmoil, but nevertheless, always chose thanksgiving. And, every time I pick up the Psalms, I am reminded that I can (and should) do the same.
After all, the depth of faith is shown by our ability to praise. And David is the perfect role model in this.