I love studies of the Old Testament as I learn so much about the character of God.  His attributes shine through as He exhibits His faithfulness and sovereignty over all creation.  In 1 Samuel is the story of God sending the prophet Samuel to identify the son of Jesse that He has chosen to be the next king of Israel.  The Lord gave Samuel some good advice that we need to take to heart as we look at others and even ourselves.  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7    When God looks at us, He looks at our hearts.   Therefore, He desires that our hearts be transformed, renewed and cleansed.  He wants more for us than we can even imagine.   He sees what is truly in our hearts and knows our innermost thoughts.  It is a humbling and sobering thought that God knows all and in His love and mercy He see what I can be not what I am at the present.  God looks at our hearts.

I am comforted by Psalm 10:17 where the psalmist proclaims what God will do for him.  “O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;  you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear”    God will listen to me and the cries of my heart then He will strengthen me.  He knows I need transformation and will listen to my heart cries and then give me strength to persevere in pursuit of His transformation in my life.  

Our challenge today is seek His transformation for our lives from a heart filled with obedience and love and then to seek to see others as God does.  We are limited and can’t see the heart of others but we can learn not to judge by outward appearances and seek to reach out to others with love and kindness.  We can ask God for insight and wisdom in dealing with others.

Thankful for a loving God that will give me strength to live for Him,

Linda