If Only
I’m all for taking care of ourselves. Watching what I eat, exercising more and getting plenty of rest are all things that I really try to maintain in my life. I remember a few years back when I really tried to change some daily habits in my life, it was to lose weight and to look better. But gradually, over time, I have changed my perspective about the whole diet/exercise mentality. My focus isn’t so much on losing weight anymore, rather, my focus is just being a healthier me. No matter what the scale says.
I am keenly aware that our society is overly obsessed about physical appearance. Health clubs and weight control plans like weight watchers are fast becoming top dollar entities, plastic surgery is becoming one of the fastest growing industries in America. While all of these things are doing amazing things for people, it is also a reminder to me that people often look more on the outside than what is on the inside.
God sees people different. We may see weak, but He sees strong. We may see bulges and bunions, but He sees beauty. When Samuel was looking for a new king, God told him to not look at the outer appearance…
(1 Samuel 16:7) “Do not look at his appearance or stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”
While Samuel was looking at the impressive outward appearances of the brothers of David, God had to remind Samuel that his perspective was being too limited and narrow. While David was that skinny little sheep herder that hardly anyone noticed, he had all of the qualities to make a great king. David was a mighty warrior (obviously, he did kill the giant with a stone), he was an inspired leader, a successful businessman and a trained marksman. But the one true quality that made him qualified was his heart; David’s heart was right.
In my own life, I don’t intend to become a king, but I am a daughter of the King. I am more beautiful than I can ever hope to be. I’m strong. I’m brave. I’m courageous. I am an overcomer. This is what lives inside of me that my God sees. My perspective would be so altered if only I could see my heart (and not my thighs) thru God’s eyes.
If only.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to look beyond the outer shell and see the heart of man. May I see myself and others as You see them; with hope, character and possibility. Everyone has the ability to be better than they are, but it starts with the heart. Change our hearts Lord. AMEN
BLESSINGS. Laurie
@copyright laurie adams
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What a powerful message, Laurie. And thank you for the reminder that God sees our heart and not our outward appearance.
Amen to that prayer!