Heart Size Matters
“…the Lord looks at the heart.”
(1 Samuel 16:7)
Picture taken by Lisa Stenger
Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
My chest tightened with anticipation as I waited in line for my turn. At barely five feet tall, I was the shortest girl on our school’s track team. With each passing minute, excitement ran through my veins. When my name was called, I stepped forward, ready to be checked off for the Long Jump.
I worked hard to beat my own records; the drive to improve made my heart race as I competed against myself. My feet shuffled back and forth, marking a patch of dirt behind my heels before my take off. My thoughts turned to the words, “You are bigger than you think; with me, you can do this.” In the stillness, I heard nothing else until the word “Go” was shouted. It all happened so quickly.
I became airborne, and I stretched my little legs like silly putty. The stress left my body, leaving me with a calm that I cannot fully explain. I realized at that moment God was with me. I felt complete peace and happiness as I floated through the air. I sensed God guiding me as my feet touched the ground, sending a puff of sand swirling up between my shoes.
The recorder dashed over to me as soon as she heard my landing spot called out. She hugged me as she belted out, “Unbelievable!” She called my coach over. "She’s going to States!" she shouted. When my friends found out, they ran over, and we group-hugged, jumping and shouting with joy. It was the farthest distance jump of the day. I couldn’t believe it; the team's shortest girl is going to the state competition for the long jump. I set a record that qualified our small Catholic track team for the state competition in Philadelphia in this category. At States, I finished in third and received a brass medal. I didn’t achieve this alone; God was with me, and He carried me to reach this accomplishment. I believe God wanted me to see how he sees me, bigger than the little girl's appearance. Perhaps he even wanted to show others how size doesn’t matter when you’re filled with a heart for God.
When our hearts are connected to God, and we trust the truths about how He sees us, it is important to understand that God can accomplish great things through us that far exceed what we can achieve on our own.
Pause for a moment today and speak the words aloud: “The Lord looks at my heart.” Allow this statement to resonate within you as you reflect on the understanding that God sees beyond the surface. While the world may judge based on appearances or accomplishments, remember that God perceives the heart's true intentions.
What does it mean to be truly known and valued by God in such a personal and intimate way?
Dear Lord,
When I feel small, not smart enough, or unworthy, be my strength. Remind me of how precious I am to you. I am grateful for how you see my heart—not as the world sees me, but for the love I have for you.
