As humans, we judge according to our perceptions and preferences. From the foods we eat to the things we buy, we make decisions based on our five senses.

Many times, we interact with people according to our outer evaluation of them. Based on how someone looks, talks, or acts, we tend to prejudge one another and assume our own judgments about them according to what our senses tell us about them.

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8-9

The good news is, God does not judge people the way we judge one another. As a matter of fact, God’s thoughts are nothing like our thoughts. He looks past the exterior and into the depths of the heart. Our human judgment is flawed, but God knows all and sees all. He is familiar with every thought, motive, and intention.

When God looks at your heart, what does He see?

When it was time for Samuel to anoint the new king of Israel, he assumed he knew the perfect candidate to become king. When Samuel saw Jesse’s son, Eliab, he said, “Surely he is the one to be anointed!”

However, the Lord responded to Samuel and said, “Do not look at his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Surprised, Jesse called his next son Abinadab and presented him to Samuel; but the Lord had not chosen that son either. 

Next Jesse presented another one of his sons, Shammah, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen this son either.”

Jesse proceeded to introduce all seven of his sons to Samuel in hopes that one of them would be king. After seeing all the young men, Samuel told Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these. Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.”

“Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. As Samuel saw David, God said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”

Samuel then took the horn of oil and anointed young David in the presence of his older brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.

David was an unlikely candidate to become king; yet He was God’s #1 choice. He was the youngest and of all the brothers and the outcast of the family. He was such an unlikely candidate, that when Samuel came looking for a son to anoint a king, Jesse did not even call David in from outside.

Samuel and Jesse assumed that God would choose one of the older stronger boys to be anointed as king. Instead, young David was chosen; not because of his strength or credentials, but because God saw his heart. 

While we look at outward appearances to judge one another, God sees the character and the contents of each one of our hearts.

As we prepare our hearts for 2019, remember that God sees your heart and the hearts of others. Before you judge a book by its cover, ask yourself, “what does God think of this person?” and treat them accordingly.