I think the answer is simply that we should look to cultivate these characteristics in our hearts whenever the opportunity arises. We should not condemn ourselves if we think our dependence or our worship isn't what it should be, and nor should we congratulate ourselves if we do see evidence of a truly dependent and worshipful heart. But rather, we need to be alert to how we respond, how we act in different situations, especially when God opines about one of His surrogates. When we see that God has allowed a little dependence or worship to grow, we should encourage it and consciously act in that direction even more than we feel. And when we see in ourselves behaviours that seem to show a dependence on self, or a worship of things rather than of God, we should turn our backs and make a conscious effort to give God the honour and the glory.

      God may not want to use these attributes in us to make us a King of some nation like he did with David. But as Peter tells us in his first letter, we are a chosen people, and a royal priesthood. God does have a purpose for each of our lives, and he can work out that purpose more effectively if we cooperate in growing those attitudes that he longs to see. If we endeavour to be, as Paul says of David in Acts 13:22: A person after God's own heart, who will do everything God wants you to do.