February 25
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
We can be quick to judge character and the worth of others by looking at outward appearances. We have a tendency to form opinions of other people based on what they look like, what they’re wearing or driving, and how they carry themselves. Maybe you’re like me, and at times, will just sit and watch people. “People watching” they call it. If I’m honest, much of that “people-watching” time is spent comparing myself to the outward appearance - and assumptions I make - of whomever is walking by me. Rarely do I stop and consider what their personality might be, whether they are helpful and loving to others, or that they are deeply loved by the same God who loves me and sent His Son to die for me.
In 1 Samuel 16, the time had come for Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint Israel’s next king. Perhaps eager to check this duty off his list, Samuel was impressed by Jesse’s first son and wanted to anoint him king. Convinced he may be right, Samuel said, “Surely, this is the man the Lord wants me to anoint” (verse 6). But God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Samuel looked at all seven of Jesse’s sons as possible replacements for Saul, but God was looking for someone who would be a “man after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). Although he lacked his brothers’ physical attributes, David was chosen because he had developed a heart after God.
Appearances can be deceiving. The outward appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like. Physical looks don’t show a person’s value, character, integrity, or faithfulness to God. Outward qualities are superficial. The inner qualities - moral and spiritual - are of far more importance to God than what is on the outside. God looks at the heart - our inner being, our soul - a person’s inner moral and spiritual life. His eyes are continually roaming the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). God looks into our hearts, examines our motives, and knows everything there is to know about us. God sees what others can’t. God is concerned about our heart.
Like King David, we are far from perfect. We sin. We do things we don’t want to do, and we don’t do the things we know we should. But God saw in David a man who was fully committed to Him and depended on Him for strength and guidance. David loved God. He recognized his sins and failures, repented, and David pleaded for a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). When God looked at David, He saw a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).
What does God see when He looks at your heart? Does He see faithfulness and a commitment to Him? Does He see someone who depends on Him for strength and guidance? Does God see a repentant heart and one that desires to be clean? What do you need to give Him?
Father - You know my heart. You see deep inside the recesses of my heart. You know what’s there. You see what others can not. Moment by moment, day by day help me to be more committed and faithful to You. I desire a clean heart. A heart that is set on seeking You and following You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and loving me. In Your name we pray. Amen