Day 18: Seeing What God Sees
Breaking Bread — 31-Day Devotional Journey
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 16:7
Apostle Natrietia McClendon shares insight from 1 Samuel 16:7 on God’s perspective and discerning beyond outward appearance.
Scripture declares in 1 Samuel 16:7 that the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. This truth establishes God’s standard for discernment and obedience.
What appears impressive, qualified, or successful outwardly may still be refused by God. Natural vision often mistakes appearance for approval, but God’s choices are governed by what is internal and aligned with His will.
Obedience requires hearing what God has said rather than reacting to what is seen. Superficial evaluation leads to misalignment, while spiritual discernment keeps the heart submitted to God’s instruction. God’s perspective reaches beneath presentation, position, and stature to examine motive, posture, and faithfulness.
According to 1 Samuel 16:7, true alignment begins when discernment is shaped by God’s Word rather than human judgment. Decisions, relationships, and assignments must be weighed by what God has chosen, not what seems right on the surface. Seeking God’s perspective guards against accepting what He has refused and positions the heart to obey with clarity and humility.
KEY INSIGHT
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”
REFLECTION
In what decision or relationship are you tempted to rely on outward appearance, and how are you actively aligning your discernment with what God sees rather than what looks right?