1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

1 Samuel 16:7

Samuel was a godly man. When making a decision about who to anoint, he took one look at Jesse’s son, Eliab, thought he saw a good character in him and said to himself, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him” (1 Samuel 16:6). Although it may have appeared that way, God’s prophet was wrong. God had to tell him that he shouldn’t be judging God’s will by Eliab’s appearance. He had to tell him that that “the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This is why we need to continually go to the Lord about all our decisions. We can think it appears that something is the Lord’s will or way, and it might not be that way at all. Only He knows His will and plan for our lives. Only He knows what’s on His heart. And He will share it with us if we listen. He might not show us the big picture, but He will lead us step by step. Us believers live to serve Him. We may serve Him, but He calls us His friends. 1 John 15:15 says “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” He will reveal what He is doing. You can trust Him.

Father, we thank You that You look at and know our hearts. Only someone that knows our hearts in full knows how to guide us. Help us to go to You with our daily decisions, whether big or small. May we not be quick to decide based on what appears to be the right thing to do. May we find out Your will on the heart of the matter instead. You are wisdom and we can trust You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.