But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7
Dear heavenly Father, this Scripture makes me long for more of the ophthalmological corrective that only takes place as the gospel does its work on the eyes of my heart. Even if I could see with 20/15 or 20/10 vision, if I’m only focusing on the “outward appearance” of people and things, I’m still not seeing as you intend. My plea? Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see Jesus, and as I see Jesus more clearly, help me see everything else from his perspective.
Help me to see people with eyes of grace. Father, help me to see the beauty, dignity, and your image in people, much more clearly than I notice their brokenness and inconsistencies. And when I do see their weaknesses, may I do so with compassion and understanding, not with shock and irritation. Help me to see what you see in my spouse, children, and friends—even in total strangers.
Help me to see creation with eyes of grace. Father, don’t let me miss your majesty revealed in the ocean and mountains, sunrises and sunsets, flora and fauna, rainstorms and rainbows. Help me live more as a worshipful steward of your creation and less as a selfish consumer of your creation. Help me to live at the pace of grace that I might notice more of the wonders of your love, everywhere.
Help me to see pain and suffering with eyes of grace. Father, sometimes looking at the crucibles and crises, and cruel stories and crushing blows of life makes me want to run and hide, fix or deny. When overwhelming need is staring me down; hard things over which I have zero control; and stories which seem to contradict your goodness and sovereignty, help me to see from the perspective of eternity. Thank you, Father. So very Amen I pray in Jesus’ kind and healing name.
