“Your servant (David) has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.” – 1 Samuel 17: 34-35
David was a teenage shepherd boy when God appointed him the next king of Israel. Compared to his older brothers, David certainly didn’t have the typical “look” of king, but God saw David’s integrity and character when no one else was looking. God saw David’s heart:
- Courage: David was incredibly brave and courageous as a young shepherd boy who defended his sheep from both lion and bear. God knew he would need both to be king.
- Responsible: David was willing to sacrifice his life for the sheep entrusted to him. This loyalty and responsibility would also make David a great king.
God saw David’s potential in how he lived his life when no one was looking. It was his inner character and heart that God valued most. What about you? What does God see when He looks at your heart? How do you live when no one’s looking?
The truth is, no matter how hard we try, no one’s heart and life are perfect. We all sin and mess up, but the good news is that God promises a new heart to those who put their trust in Him. Give your heart to God and He will transform both your heart and life to become the person He calls you to be.
