The Heart Of The Matter

Thursday, May 1




1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

“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 as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

 
Devotion

Samuel was one of the most obedient prophets chosen by God, though God still knew He needed to tell him these words, “for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.“ Even Samuel did not see as the Lord saw.

“So it was,…that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”” I Samuel 16:6 NKJV

Samuel continued to assume God’s anointed based on the outward appearance. Thankfully God sees our hearts.

Though we face trial after trial, we must not begin comparing our lives to others based on the outward appearances, God must remain the focus as we discern He is working on our heart.

In the midst of hardship we are called to praise Him, when life is easy we are called to praise Him, but especially when life is difficult, we are called to praise Him. We’re called to be the ones who rejoice in the storm, and cling to victory in God, to bring Him glory.

So let us prepare ourselves to be full of joy and unwavering faith, that even in the midst of hardship and trials we may see what God sees and bring Him glory because of it.
 
Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Refine my heart and help me to see as You see. Remove any tendency in me to judge by appearances, and give me discernment to recognize what You are doing in me and in others, especially in seasons of trial. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

This week, resist the urge to compare your life to others based on what you see outwardly. Instead, take time daily to ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24), and journal what He reveals about your character, motives, and faith during both easy and difficult moments.

Resources

  • Watch this message, “Open Your Eyes”, and ask the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding.
  • Read Psalm 139:23–24 and make it your prayer. The Lord sees your heart.