Created

Stop.

Remember that you have been created in God’s image. Breathe, relax, and trust that God loves you who for you truly are.

Listen.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Reflect.

In worship this Sunday, we’ll hear about King David. In the story we will hear, David has immense power and prestige. However, 1 Samuel 16 reminds us that this powerful man was once youngest in his family, sent out to care for the sheep, considered of little note when the prophet Samuel came to town. Even Samuel himself saw David’s older brothers and thought they must be who God chose to be the next king of Israel. Samuel was wrong.

God reminds Samuel that we easily assume we know someone’s worth by how they look. We quickly assign value to someone based on things that don’t truly matter, whether it’s their profession, income, background, or race. God reminds Samuel that God cares most about a person’s heart. God truly knows us, no matter what anyone else says about us. Our real identity comes from our Creator.

Pray.

Help me to see myself as you see me, God. Give me the peace and confidence to fulfill your will. Grant me grace to see your image in others, so that I may love them just like you do. Amen.

Carry On.

How will you stay centered in God’s love for you? When your day makes you doubt that you have worth, how will you return to God’s promises?