Daily Devotion

Saturday, March 12, 2026  

Today's Scripture
1 Samuel 16:7

For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Reflection

The use of just two words, “appearances” and “heart,” startles the reader into recognizing that the comparison between God’s vision and ours refers to observation of other people, not observation of an interesting movie or a playful pet. We are moved to recall, perhaps ruefully, times when we were put off by someone’s appearance: oddly dressed, an inscrutable expression when everyone else was laughing, or fiddling with their cell phone during the sermon.

Had God been sitting beside us as a coach, we might have learned that, by rushing to think the worst, we misunderstood the appearance. The odd clothing was the best the person could afford. The puzzling expression occurred because the person found that a laugh-induced remark hit a sore nerve. The cell phone usage was to find a better setting for her hearing aids.

It is easy to justify or even boast about being observant as opposed to being clueless or careless. However, it probably would be wise to ask if such a skill is too often followed by hasty judgment.

Rereading the short verse inspires another interpretation. Could my pleasing appearance be a cover-up for a not-so-pleasing heart? Oh, dear.

Prayer

Lord God, help me avoid a rush to judgment based on appearances. Rather, I pray that you will “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Amen.

Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email