God Sees Our Hearts

"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

In this case God has sent Samuel to choose one of Jesse's sons to be the next king after King Saul. That was David. The first and oldest son looked similar to King Saul so he was a logical choice, but Samuel was wrong. Then Samuel examined all of Jesse's sons that were present and none were God's choice. 

"And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!" - 1 Samuel 16:11-12

David was called a man after God's own heart.

"And when He [God] had removed him [King Saul], He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." - Acts 13:22

A person can hide the true intentions of their heart - at least for a time - from men - but not from God. We might sin in secret, either in thought or deed, and think no one will know. That there are no witnesses. And yet the Holy Spirit is in us and God knows our hearts. There is nothing hid from Him. We deceive ourselves.  

Jesus said of the Pharisees. That they were white-washed tombs filled with dead men's bones.  By appearance they looked to be righteous but they were not. 

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also." - Matthew 23:25-26

I make it a practice to listen to people carefully. By doing that I have found that what the Bible says is validated. Our words will eventually reveal our hearts.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." - Luke 6:45

Listen - none of are perfect. None of us will live a sinless life after we are born again. When we are faced with that sin -  we must confess it and have our hearts washed. Stuffing our sins and then denying that we have sinned will stymy our spiritual walk and hamper our relationship with the Father. You may recall King David's sin with Bathsheba. He was eventually confronted by the Prophet Nathan. That confrontation is recorded in 2 Samuel 12. David's response is recorded in Psalm 51.

"I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— ...  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." - Psalm 51:3-4,7-12

We have a choice - love God with a half heart like King Saul or with a whole heart like King David. As another friend of mine would say - there is nothing to it but to do it!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone