The Lord Looks At The Heart

Search me, God, and know my heart.

Psalm 139:23

Image seems so important to people—but not to God. First impressions seem to buoy people up or sweep them under, no matter how fair or unfair those impressions are. Oftentimes, God’s call contradicts appearances or overwhelms first impressions—and that’s good!

Imagine how David might have felt when the prophet Samuel thought that Jesse’s oldest son and David’s older brother, Eliab, was surely going to be the next king. But God told Samuel to anoint David. Jesse never thought that his youngest son, David, was even in the running to serve God as king. Do you think it was demoralizing for David to realize that neither the prophet nor his father considered him good enough to serve in the way God was calling him to serve? As a king?

If David felt this way, he certainly didn’t let it keep him from stepping into his calling. If you face opposition based on other people’s impressions and opinions, remember that ultimately, what other people think does not matter. The only opinion that matters—the only vote that counts—is God’s, and first and foremost He considers your heart. If He calls you, no opinion, appearance, or impression can stop Him from working His wonderful plans and purposes through you.

Lord, thank You that what You think of me is far more important than what others think. I believe Your purposes will be fulfilled in my life no matter what.