25 May 2021 – 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Scripture
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see
Reflection
We are bombarded by advertisements all day long, selling products that will help us look younger, feel better, live healthier. It’s easy to spend our money and energy on outward appearance. When God says that He does not look at appearance or physical stature, but the heart of a man, I am convicted because too often the tendency is to neglect what goes on inside: thoughts of anxious worry, greed, lust, anger, jealousy…the list goes on. Self-help books may address many of these issues, but it requires much discipline to follow through with the advice, and that is if we even recognize our problems and want to deal with them.
As I meditated on this verse during a quiet moment, God encouraged me because I realized that God not only looks at my heart, He can CHANGE my heart so that I don’t remain in my miserable state. God knows my weaknesses, so it’s comforting to know that He sees my heart, rather than at my failed attempts to slay the giant. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV). When we allow our hearts to be changed by God, the way we perceive our problems will change as well. A negative outlook becomes brimming with hope, a deep rooted sin can be conquered with power from Him. When God looks at our hearts, He is seeing whether we are willing to be changed too. He makes all things new, so why not trust Him to do the same with you!
Thoughts for the day
- Are there behaviors and/or thoughts that you have but would like to change?
- What has your experiences been like when you tried to deal these problems by yourself?
- What will it mean/how will it look if you were to let go, and let God?
Prayer
Think of another person in your life who needs God to move in their situation. Ask for God to be at work. Approach the Lord of all with boldness today, knowing that he delights in you, and those you love.