God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

- 1 Samuel 16:7

Who does God say that I am?

When you evaluate yourself, what first comes to mind? Is it your outer appearance? Is it some flaw others pointed out to you as a child? Is there a character trait over which you wish you had better control?

Did you know that God doesn't look at your outer appearance, but rather your heart?

In this passage of Scripture, Samuel must appoint the next king of Israel.

Although seven sons of Jesse go before Samuel as possible candidates for the position, Samuel has his heart set on the least likely of people.

So Samuel picks David, a shepherd boy and the youngest of Jesse's sons.

Common sense would argue that David was inexperienced. He spent many hours alone, with sheep as his only company.

However, David was a man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) While David was far from perfect, he had a deep desire to follow God's will and do all God asked.

If we could talk to David, when he was a shepherd boy, he most likely would never have dreamed he would be king one day. However, David did not concern himself with his profession, but rather how he served God in it.

God had a plan for his life, and God also has a plan for your life!

You might feel lonely, rejected, or hurt by others. You may feel God forgot you.

But rest assured, God is at work, and He loves you. You are made in His image, and that gives you incredible value.

It doesn't matter if you are a shepherd tending sheep or a king; God wants you to serve Him with your whole heart.

Prayer: God, please help me serve you in every task, big and small. Encourage and strengthen my heart to do all you have for me to do. Amen  

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd