What God Sees When He Looks at the Heart

. . . for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

We find the historical account of the Prophet Samuel as he searched for the king of Israel in chapter 16 of 1 Samuel. We read the account of Samuel as he stood before Jesse and requested to see all of his sons. Jesse, David's father, brought seven sons for Samuel to see.

These young men were strong warriors. Evidently they were nothing like David. Or should I say David was nothing like his brothers.

God told Samuel that none of these young men would be the next king. Samuel asked Jesse if he had any other sons.

Jesse tried to discourage Samuel by saying, "Yes. There is one more. He is my youngest. But you don't need to see him. He is with the sheep right now."

Samuel called for David to stand before him. Samuel looked at David and the Bible tells us he saw a healthy looking, handsome young man. Immediately the Lord told Samuel, "Anoint him. He is the one."

Samuel took his horn of oil and did as God commanded. The Spirit of the Lord came upon David that day.

We don't know why David's brothers were rejected. We do know God, as he told Samuel to keep looking, made it clear that the heart matters more than outward appearance.

At first glance you might say, "Shew! That's a relief. I'm too short or too fat or my nose is way too big for my face. I'm glad God isn't looking at my appearance."

It would be so easy to miss the beauty and amazing truth behind this verse.

It's a sobering truth to know that God sees our hearts. Our selfish, often confused, easily distracted hearts. When you stop a moment and think about the condition of your heart, you might wish God looked only at your outer self.

We are all so good at putting on our masks. The "I'm not afraid-I have my act together-no need to worry about me" mask. We wear it to church each Sunday. As long as we can keep up the front and have everyone believing we are at the top of our game, we don't have to give personal sin a second thought.

God sees the heart.

He knows when my thoughts do not match my face.

And He loves me.

He knows when I am motivated by self ambition.

And He loves me.

He knows when my patience in thin.

And He loves me.

He knows when I am discouraged.

And He loves me.

He knows when I am worried and wishing I could control the people I love.

And yet, He loves me.

My heart isn't always in the greatest condition. God's love is so great He can look into every dark recess of my heart and still say, "She's mine and I love her."

I asked Jesus to be my Savior many, many years ago. Not only did God forgive every past sin that day, He forgave every future sin too. When God looks at my heart, He sees His one and only Son standing in the gap for me.

While perfection isn't even within reach, my personal sins are forgiven. And, just as He promised, I am never alone.

Does it scare you to know God looks at your heart? It doesn't have to. You can pray, just like I did, and ask Jesus to be your Savior.  He takes a beat up, confused, sinful heart and makes is brand new!

When God looks at my heart, He sees Jesus.

There is no greater truth.

Jesus.