“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” – I Samuel 16:7
Halloween is right around the corner. Houses are decorated with all sorts of spooky things like spider webs, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns, and children are busy choosing the perfect costume. Soon, the streets will be filled with children meandering through the neighborhood visiting each home. Princesses, lions, storm troopers, and zombies will be knocking on doors hoping to reap a handful of candy as they shout, “Trick or treat”!
The intent of a costume is to hide the identity of a person, making it difficult to recognize what normally would be a familiar face. Fake hair, overgrown teeth, make-up, and masks are all part of the disguise. It is not until the trick-or-treater reveals who they are that we know for certain to whom we are giving the sweet treat!
We can only know the identity of someone when we look at their true appearance. However, the Bible tells us that God sees us differently. He looks at us on the inside, not the outside. He sees our intentions. He knows our thoughts. He sees our potential… that is, how we can be used for His service and His glory. He sees into our heart.
The Bible tells us in I Samuel 16:7 that God doesn’t look at the outward appearance of a person, but rather, He looks at the very core of a person… their heart. He knows the inner depths of our being… not just the physical, but the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves as well.
We know from the Scriptures that when people looked at David, they saw a puny shepherd boy. In fact, I Samuel 17: 33 records King Saul’s response when David suggested that he fight Goliath. He said, “… Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” But God saw beyond that.
When God looked at David, He saw a mighty warrior in the young shepherd boy, an inexperienced teenager whose faith in God would provide the courage needed to defeat the giant enemy despite the overwhelming odds against victory. God also saw a boy that would grow to be a godly leader of Israel and become the greatest king that the Jewish people would ever know. The Bible records God’s high praise of this little shepherd boy. “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” (Acts 13:22) What an amazing statement! God saw beyond what others saw!
It is so easy to hide who we really are from others. A smile can hide a broken heart. Busy hands can hide a spirit of pride. Seemingly unfriendliness could come from the fear of rejection. A passing nod could be a sign of loneliness. We can wear a “mask” in our daily lives, but God always see our hearts.
God sees every heartache, every fear, every doubt, and every sin. But He also sees every possibility and potential in each one of us, and He is ready to forgive, heal, encourage, and empower whenever we go to Him as our true selves. Regardless of the mask we wear to the world, God sees us for who we really are… good or bad.
You may see a shepherd boy when you look into the mirror, but God may see a king!
Search me, O God, and know my heart today
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
(from “Search Me” by James E. Orr)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24
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How does God see you?