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 as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Observation - This portion of scripture is probably one of the most quoted in the bible. Many preachers cover this topic to help people understand that God isn't looking at things quite like we look at them. In this scripture Samuel is at dinner with Jesse and his boys trying to find the new king. Samuel is assessing the most likely choice based on what he sees. Some of them are attractive, some are strong, some are intelligent, some are popular and God rejects them all. Samuel finds himself confused and asks Jesse "Are they all here?". The one that wasn't invited to the party, the one that was doing the work his father asked him, was the one God chose. God was looking at what was inside this boy and not what he looked like or acted like on the outside.
Application - There is so much intricacy to our heart. Testing for a heart beat tells us that a person is alive or dead. How the heart is pumping and its strength tells us a persons health. The purity at which the heart exists tells God where your priorities lie. God is looking on the inside of a man to determine his sincerity to kingdom business and appropriateness for eternity. The condition of our heart gives us insight, vision and power. God knows that the core of a man is his heart. Jonathan's armorbearer tells him "do all that is in your heart", Nathan tells David "Do what is in your heart". God is telling us "I am looking at your heart". The outward forces at play each day pale in comparison to what is happening in a man's heart. The heart is the true barometer of a man's spirituality, we need to learn to read it. So many times we assess people based on charisma, excitement, passion and intelligence and the heart should be indicator of a man's assessment.
Prayer - Father my heart. Guard it, protect it, purify it, inspire it to follow after you and to chase you alone. Singularly focused on serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Interpret my heart to a language that blesses you. Read my heart and know that I love you so much and cherish my relationship with you. Let my heart be found pure and holy as you are holy. God I love you so much with my whole heart...
