I’ve spent a bunch of time this week reading about King David’s life. There’s so much we can glean from reading over his life and his writings in the Psalms that he penned through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
I love the reminder not to judge by outward appearances, as the prophet Samuel is sent by God to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem, as God has instructed Samuel that one of Jesse’s sons would be the next King of Israel. When Samuel arrives, and sees the firstborn of the family, Eliab, he is certain that he is the one God must have in mind.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
We so often get things wrong looking through the lens of our own judgements - assuming people’s heart based on what they look like or what they do. But God sees right through to the heart of us, knowing us intimately – more than we know ourselves. Nothing is hidden from Him.
It’s our heart that’s responsible for what is produced in our lives. Our motives. Our perspective. Our doubts. Our fears. Our love. Our desires. Our passions. The heart effects every facet of our being. Which is why we should be attentive to what’s in it.
God had indeed found a King for Israel that was a man after His own heart, in the youngest of Jesse’s sons (ref. 1 Samuel 13:14), David, who spent time with God and knew him intimately. He invited God to search out his heart and point out anything in him that was offensive, so he could address it and keep his heart pure before the Lord. (ref. Psalm 139:23-24) David knew that God transforms people from the inside out… from the heart.
So, if the heart is where it all starts, let’s be praying that God would search us. Transform us. Grow in us what is good and pleasing to Him. Being mindful of all that we let take root in our hearts.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
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