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
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.
So Father, show me more of Jesus’ beauty, wonder, and love that I might see other people, places, and things with eyes of grace.
Help me notice people with eyes of grace. Help me enjoy 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 appreciate what you see in my family, friends, co-workers, and total strangers.
Help me ponder 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 presumptive consumer. Help me live at the pace of grace that I might notice more of the wonders of your love, everywhere.
Help me engage 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, stories which seem to contradict your goodness—help me see from the perspective of eternity, love with the heart of Jesus, and hope with the peace of your sovereignty. Thank you, Father. So very Amen I pray in Jesus’ kind and healing name.
