Morning Devotional 031726 Beneath the Surface

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

March 17, 2026

1 Samuel 16:7-13

 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.” 8 Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The LORD hasn’t chosen this one either.” 9 So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the LORD hasn’t chosen this one.” 10 Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD hasn’t picked any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” “There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.” 12 So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The LORD said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The LORD’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.

Good Morning, God sees into our hearts

Praise be to God who looks into our hearts and not at our outward appearances. We are taught at a young age to not judge a book by its cover. However, most of us are challenged by the meaning of this when we apply it to people. 

Even if we don’t voice our surprise or uncomfortable feelings when we see someone who does not look, sound, or smell as we do, we think it. The appearance of someone evokes a wide range of emotional responses ranging from fear to annoyance to anxiety to envy. 

Those who claim to have no prejudices are only fooling themselves. It is important to recognize our prejudices and to overcome them by taking the time to see who the person before you really is. Not their strange hair, their different skin color, the different language they speak, or even their gender identification is a conditional marker for the one God created who resides deep below the surface. 

God loves all of us and asks us to do the same. Judgment is not a component of love. 

Thanks be to God who is merciful. For if we were judged on our own merits, none would be worthy, but all who humble themselves, repent of their sins, and call Jesus Lord and Savior will be welcomed home. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! We are so quick to judge others. Help us look beyond the outer appearances and see what you see. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God loves us and welcomes us unconditionally.

God loves us despite our faults! Pastor Liz