1 Samuel 16:1–13
When Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, he was sure he knew what to look for. Strong shoulders. A confident presence. The kind of person who looked like a leader. But as each of Jesse’s sons passed by, God’s quiet voice whispered, “Not this one.”
And then came David: young, overlooked, still smelling of the fields. It’s then that God reminds Samuel, “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
How often do we get caught in that same trap, judging by appearances, first impressions, or our own assumptions? But this story invites us into a different rhythm: a way of seeing with God’s eyes.
To see with God’s eyes is to slow down. It’s to pause long enough to look beneath the surface, not just of others, but also of ourselves.
God sees potential where we see limitation.
God sees courage where we see fear.
God sees beauty where we might see brokenness.
This practice isn’t easy; it requires patience, humility, and compassion. But each time we look with God’s eyes – when we see the heart rather than the exterior – we participate in God’s healing vision for the world.
Each day this week, try this simple practice of holy seeing:
- Pause: Take a few slow breaths and ask, “God, help me see as You see.”
- Notice: As you interact with others (or even think of someone from afar), notice your first impressions. Then, gently ask yourself, “What might God see here that I’ve overlooked?”
- Reflect: At day’s end, write or pray about one moment when your perspective shifted, even slightly.
You might find that God opens your heart to a person, a situation, or even a part of yourself that you hadn’t truly seen before.
Let’s pray:
God who sees beyond appearances, teach me to look with compassion. To be curious instead of judgmental. Where I see difference, help me to see Your image. Where I see weakness, help me to see Your strength at work. Where I see nothing but the surface, open my heart to the depth of Your love. Let me see, even for a moment, as You see. AMEN
