The Heart of the Matter

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I rummaged through my closet trying to find the best outfit to wear to the Mercy Me concert. Everything I pulled out either looked like work clothes or casual Saturday (different from casual Friday, much more relaxed—maybe even sloppy.) Frustrated, I tried again. I'd decided jeans would be good, but felt discouraged with my choice in shirts. My good friend Bev and I had planned this evening for months, and I wanted to look nice. I finally narrowed it down to two possibilities, then went on with my day.

Coffee in hand, I opened my Bible to the daily reading. As I perused the verses, my foray through my closet seemed pathetic. Here I was preparing what to wear to the concert. When what I should have been doing was preparing my heart to worship and praise God.

As Samuel searched for a future king to replace himself, God reminded him not to look at the outward appearance, instead look at the man's heart. David, who Samuel would later choose to follow him as king, was a man of small stature. Even though he was considered handsome, God wanted to know what was inside, not outside. God looks at the heart, the organ that pumps life into our souls. After I bowed my head and had a heart-to-heart with God, I knew I was ready to receive his blessing and give him glory at the concert. I pray that my heart is ready to worship the Lord every day.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23