LIFE IS A MATTER OF THE 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

From our meditations so far in this Year of Hearts, Hands, and the Blessed Life, we know that LIFE IS A MATTER of the 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 Sam.16:7b). These were God’s words to Prophet Samuel when he visited the house of Jesse to find and anoint Israel’s new king. There are three parts to this text: (a) God does not see as man sees; (b) Men judge by outward appearance; (c) God judges not by outward things, but by the HEART! Life is principally a Matter of the Heart: “Keep YOUR HEART with all diligence, for out of it spring the ISSUES of LIFE” (Pro. 4:23).

When God had rejected Saul as King over His people Israel because of his disobedience in not doing what God told him to do, He sent the Prophet Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint His next King among his eight sons. Jesse paraded seven of his sons, but God rejected them all. Samuel inquired if there was another, and Jesse said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep” (v.11). Samuel requested he be brought in, insisting that no one sits until then. When David arrived, God commanded Samuel to anoint him (v.12). God chose David, the youngest, who by outward appearance, was considered the least among his brothers. God’s choice was not Samuel’s or Jesse’s choice. God’s ways and thoughts are not those of mere men (Isa.55:8-9). God judges hearts!

It is not surprising that God described David in these words: “a man after MY OWN HEART who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). Rather than making life choices and decisions by what we see with the natural eyes or perceive with the senses, God would have us walk always by the Sense of Faith; praying for inside vision that judges matters of the heart, not by outward appearances. Our true identity is not what men see on the outside but what God sees inwardly. Man looks at the surface; God searches the Heart for He alone knows that it is all a MATTER of the HEART! Can God brag on us as persons after His own Heart?

We can engage in many religious activities, but before God, our hearts matter most. God rebuked Israel: “These people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their HEARTS far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men” (Isa.29:13). God wants our hearts to be more like His, intimate with His, and for us to see as He sees both when we look at others and when we examine ourselves. We must learn to PRAY GOD’S HEART. As we stand on the threshold of the ninth month, having invested eight months on Revelation of Hearts, let’s be reminded of the Key themes we’ve been privileged to meditate on:

God’s Heart contains all that defines the directions of our lives and destinies. Enjoying God’s best depends on what we’re able to receive from His Heart into ours, give attention to and meditate on. Our Lord Jesus personifies God’s Heart (Jh.1:18; 10:30; 14:9). God’s Heart is Holy, Everlasting, Awesome, Righteous, and True. His Heart is large, loving, faith-full, mercy-full, forgiving, all-wise, joyful, and peaceful.

Our hearts are containers for all issues of our lives; hence to be diligently guarded from all negativity (Pro 4:23). Our hearts are meant to hunger, thirst, long for, pant after, seek, know, and understand God’s Heart (Psa.42:1; 63:1). His Heart is primarily in His Word – the Scriptures, which are meant to richly fill our hearts (Lk.24:32; Col.3:16; 2Tim.3:16). His Heart is also revealed by His Spirit (1Cor.2:10).

Hearts Matter: Hearts are immensely valuable and crucial to Character, Strength, Wisdom, Dominion, Victory, Health, Healing, and Miracles in Life. We must engage in regular Heart-Checks, eschew toxic inputs, and cultivate positive heart traits, to enhance transformation into Blessed Hearts!