Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (v. 7)
Have you observed people who will do almost anything to appear strong to others? For some, the thought of being embarrassed strangles their ability to ask for help or encouragement. Perhaps their good looks or success allows them to easily hide since others often try to impress them rather than looking deeply into their character or motives. I’ve certainly been there.
If you’re tempted to judge yourself or others on outward appearances, you may need a reminder like Samuel’s as he surveyed Jesse’s sons for which one might make a good king. Surely it will be the oldest, or tallest, or most handsome, Samuel thought. But God was looking for someone with a strong heart—a heart for him. A young teen (the youngest and least of the family) who tended sheep (a lowly job), David was weak in ways that his culture despised, but his heart was handsome to God.
It’s frequently said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” and it’s true. Others can’t judge what’s between the front and back cover of our lives. Think of how often in stories we are surprised by the humble hero no one ever heard of who is then betrayed by the public figure we trusted. It is our heart for God that we must keep our eyes on, not what others are thinking or saying about us. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, consider the God who isn’t caught up in appearances but knows how handsome is the heart.
STRENGTH & WEAKNESS SERIES BY AMY CLEMENS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM WORDS OF HOPE, https://www.woh.org/devotionals/
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
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