I refilled a spray bottle. After securing the nozzle and making a few attempts at squirting, I realized something was wrong. Being visually challenged, I decided to find my glasses. I detached the nozzle and discovered the problem. Instead of having a long tube attached to the nozzle that reached to the bottom of the bottle; the nozzle attached to the side of the bottle that had a tube running along the side wall reaching the bottom. I had not connected the nozzle properly to the side of the bottle. From the outer appearance of the bottle, it looked functioning. Not until I tested for usefulness, was I made aware that it could not perform. Therefore, looking at the outer appearance, I made a false prediction. After laughing at myself, for once again trying to see without my glasses. I began to think how many details I probably miss without wearing them.
1 Samuel 16: 1-7
Samuel Goes to Bethlehem
16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve for Saul, when I have rejected him as king over Israel? [a]Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have chosen a king for Myself among his sons.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? When Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer from the herd with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do [after that]; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate.” 4 So Samuel did what the Lord said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, “Do you come in peace?” 5 And he said, “In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” He also consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 So it happened, when they had come, he looked at Eliab [the eldest son] and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks [b]at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (The Amplified Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 23 Feb. 2021.)
Humans can only view the outward appearance of man which often lead to false predictions.
- With a smile like that, I bet he/she is nice.
- He/she look like they can cook.
- Those children are so tidy, they must have good parents.
- Only someone with money can afford a watch like that.
Even when we are privileged to view a person character, our vision is only in part. We think we know someone because we share space and conversation with them. But the Bible warns us that the heart of man is deceitful. Our personal desires, stubbornness, and false predictions can lead us to ignore the obvious truth. And we neglect to consider that there is a hidden truth. Making judgements by what we see often leave us disappointed, broken hearted, and miserable. But the scripture above tells us good news. 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks [b]at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (The Amplified Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 23 Feb. 2021.)
God knows the heart of man. I have been deceived by what I see. And I am beginning to develop a habit of closing my eyes to enhance the sight beyond what I see. When my eyes are closed, I am not influenced by what the person want to show me. I can listen to their words and to what the Holy Spirit within is telling me. Things like anxiousness, tears, and stressed facial expressions distorts my vision and my decision-making abilities. But the Holy Spirit sees past facades, schemes, and deceit; deciphers the truth and corrects my vision. There is sight beyond what I see. I must trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me in all truth. Follow the instructions given to me, even when they are not in line with my desires. And I must not be distracted.
Prayer:
Abba Father you are my protector and lover of my soul. I worship your holy name. Oh God, create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me. A spirit of submission and obedience so that I may consult you in every area of my life. That I may not be stubborn and blinded by my natural eyes, but humbly lead by your spiritual guidance. That I do not be deceived by the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes, or pride of life. And allow the Holy Spirit to impart into me holiness, purity, and godly wisdom. Forgive my mishaps and reposition me on the path to fulfill my ordained purpose. To the all-knowing, all powerful, all-encompassing creator, I humbly submit to your will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Categories: L L McAdoo Life Moment
Amen.
I pray for wisdom and a godly heart.
You have asked and you shall receive! With His wisdom, everything else in life will fall in line for us.
Everything I needed to hear. Grateful for this post .
I always pray for my wife, family, friends that my father keeps them safe and protected as well as his guidance to be the man ,father, husband and friend to all the people puts in my life and to show me what I must be able to see through closed eyes. The lord is my rock and has blessed all the the days of my life. Amen