Things of the Heart – Jennifer Woodley ‘For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ 1 Samuel 16:7b (NRSV) After seeing all of Jesse’s sons, the Lord told Samuel to anoint the youngest one, David, as Israel’s future king. Samuel saw just a boy who cared for sheep and goats in the field each day. God saw a king. Samuel looked at appearances. God saw the heart. We too are much like Samuel. We keep our eyes fixated on external facades; blind to what is most important. Our temporal world, full of what dazzles and tantalizes, is the outward layer that gives the impression of importance. But it is the unseen things - the heart issues - that matter most. When our priorities in life are about surface issues - the things that are seen that easily consume and distract us - then we are mostly superficial. However, when our priorities in life are about what is unseen - the things of the heart – then our lives will have substance, weight, and meaning.
Is this Christmas season all about the surface things, the commercial trappings that quickly burden us with expense and stress, or are we choosing to live into this season simply, quietly focusing on what, or rather Who, is most important.
This season let’s seek first the Kingdom of God by seeking and celebrating the Savior. Ask God to forgive us of our preoccupation with visible things and to open our eyes so that we may see the things of the heart. Together let’s long for and behold the presence of Christ this Christmas.
Jennifer lives with her family near Toowoomba, Queensland and enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey. Contact |