The outward appearance of our lives is often different from what’s really going on inwardly. Many of us work very hard to make the external look good in hopes of convincing ourselves and others that all is well. When our main focus is looking outward, instead of inward, it is easy to fall into religious hypocrisy, superficiality, and judgment of others to cover up our own shortcomings. Because we spend so much of our energy on the outside, we often get caught up in doing and producing, and matters of the heart that lead us toward being in peace and receiving what God has for us are never discovered. Receiving from God will bring truth and healing into our hearts. We all have wounds of the heart, caused by past or present losses which contain layered hurt, anger, and fear. God wants to unravel and heal our wounds. But when we think of God looking at our heart, we are frightened, because we believe God is going to see something wrong in us. We all have shortcomings, but Jesus unconditionally loves and accepts us for who we are, and has no condemnation towards His children. As we begin to discover and believe this, we will be able to move toward accepting ourselves and others in this same way. The Lord is concerned about our hearts, and wants to help us look inside and not be afraid to be real with Him or ourselves. Our hearts are the place where spiritual closeness (being) will blossom and ultimately bring fulfillment and purpose to both our inside and outside lives.

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” ( 1Samuel 16:7b).