Contributed by Cheri Combs
This passage is derived from the story in which the prophet Samuel, on God’s command, goes to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as Israel’s king. The new leader would replace Saul who had lost God’s favor. Samuel sees the first of Jesse’s sons, and thinks that he should be the anointed one, maybe because he was strong and handsome in appearance, but God tells Samuel not to “look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him.”
The Lord doesn’t view people the same way we do. Humans focus on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Samuel listens to God, looks at all seven of Jesse’s sons who are presently with him, then asks Jesse if he has any other sons, because “the Lord has not chosen these” (1Samuel 16:10). Jesse calls his youngest son, David, who is “keeping the sheep” (1Samuel 16:11) and when he appears to Samuel, God says “Arise, anoint him, for this is he” (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel obeys God and anoints David. “And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward” (1Samuel 16:13).
So, what did God see in David that no one else observed, including David’s own father? God knew David’s heart and knew that he was the right one to lead Israel as their king. The Scriptures go on to tell of how David becomes king of Israel long after this day.
He had many close calls with death against Goliath, against the Philistines, and against Saul, but he sought God’s will in each of these trials, and God was with him always. Even after he became king, I believe that God still molded him, still taught him, and prepared him for the assignment that the Lord had in mind. Not only did David lead Israel back to God, he later wrote the Psalms, which have provided so much guidance in praising and loving God to many generations. He also was the bloodline that God used to bring us Jesus, our Savior.
As I pray for wisdom and guidance, I believe that God is refining me, as well. I sense that He is at work, teaching me to trust Him more and to look past appearances and mere circumstances. Yet I must admit, it is a struggle for me to love others who are hurtful or who are doing things that I believe are against God’s will. But just as David didn’t take Saul’s life when he had the opportunity—he didn’t believe it was God’s will to do so—I need to stay tuned in to the Lord’s direction. Just as David did, I need to pray, listen, trust, and obey God. His will must be my priority.
I have a type-A personality, so I’m wired to jump in and fix things when I see something wrong. However, I believe that I need to pray first, demonstrating that above all else, I want to do God’s will. I need to trust that He will lead me and that when He has refined my heart, He will guide me as to what He wants me to do for His purpose and His will. God knows all of our hearts, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Reflection: What things can you do to nurture a deeper heart for God?
Prayer: Lord, help me to make knowing and following You the priority of my life. Teach me to pray, listen, trust, and obey You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
