When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is standing before Him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass before Samuel. But he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one, either.” Next Jesse had Shammah pass by. And he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one, either.” So Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the boys?” And he said, “The youngest is still left, but behold, he is tending the sheep.” So Samuel said to Jesse, “Send word and bring him; for we will not take our places at the table until he comes here.” So he sent word and brought him in. Now he was reddish, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

If you were hiring for a job, what are some of the attributes you would look for? Most of us would value work ethic, honesty, and integrity. These are not traits you can verify from a resume or by looking at a person. We have job interviews because we know we need to know about the person on a deeper level. When God was looking for the next king of Israel, He was not looking for a handsome face for the country, or a strong presence to take charge of the people, He looked at the heart and saw the one who would follow His direction. More than abilities, talents, or ambition, God uses those who will honor Him.

The Spirit of the Lord came to David from that day forward and guided him to be a leader that would be described as, “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). You may not feel like you have much to offer or struggle to see how God could use you, but God looks at the heart. No matter our skill set, any of us can submit our hearts before God. Will you seek to do so today?

• What is your heart toward God right now? Where are you ready to follow His directions? What are some of the ways you are seeking control instead?
• Why is the heart so important to God? Who are some people around you who have hearts that are searching for God?
• Pray for people you know who have hearts open toward God and ask God to show them who He is.