He Sees My Heart

“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 16:7b

My outward appearance is not what impresses God the most. It’s the condition of my heart that He’s concerned with. God watches and examines my heart.

What are the motives of my heart? Is it pure, holy, and blameless? Because the heart is the center of wisdom and the sole source of what affects my speech,my sight, and my conduct, how am I living out my life? Is it pleasing to God? If not, what needs to change?

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from your deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.

Let you eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.

Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right or to the left, remove your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23-27, NKJV

What are my issues? What is springing forth from my heart? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control? Or anger, bitterness, hatred, impatience, selfishness?

When my heart is in tune with God’s, I will follow His path. My desires will be His desires. I will see absolutely nothing but Him and my life will reflect that. My behavior, my thoughts, speech, attitudes, actions, and my vision will be all about Him.

When God looks at your heart, what does He see? Is your heart in a condition to be chosen by God for greatness? Or, is there too much selfish pride and ambition filling your heart not allowing even a small glimmer of God’s glory to shine through? Does He need to open up your heart and do some repair work, clean it out, and fill it up with Himself?

Life is too short and God is too good for us to continue living with a diseased heart. Living our lives in the flesh does not please God (Romans 8:8). We must walk in the path that He has set before us, living life completely filled with the Spirit.

Confess any sin you might have in your heart right now that is rendering you ineffective for Kingdom work. God is faithful and just. He will forgive you and cleanse your heart (1 John 1:9).

Oh, Father I desire to live a life that is totally consumed with You. Right now, fill me up to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that I, myself, am not at all visible. Wash me; cleanse me. Forgive me for failing You. Mold me and make me into what You desire me to be. I want to be used for Your glory to make an impact on the lives of my husband, children, family, friends, and the world around me. I am Your servant. Amen.

picture used with permission from Lori at All You Have to Give