[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: From who do you seek validation?

Read: 1 SAMUEL 16:6-13

Meditation verse:

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

‘Do not judge a book by its cover’, is a common phrase, which portrays the fact  that the quality of an object cannot be determined by what it looks like. I have  on several occasions, cracked open an egg which looked good on the outside,  only to discover that it was rotten inside. I know a lady who suffered severe  physical and mental abuse from her spouse who was tall, handsome, and very  well educated. When God sent Samuel to anoint the one who would replace Saul  as king, Samuel picked Eliab, based on his physical appearance, but God said no.  

The world places premium on status, wealth, and physical appearance, all of  which are transient and do not guarantee happiness. “Charm is deceitful, and  beauty is passing, but a woman (person) who fears the Lord, she shall be praised”  (Proverbs 31:30). That which is outward will eventually fade away or diminish.  God looks at the heart of a man. He focuses on what is inside you: your salvation,  vision, dreams, and the Holy Spirit in you. These are the weightier matters; these  are the things that endure. 

Why then do you seek validation from the world? Why do you define your self worth by the standards of the world? Making important life decisions based on  things that are ephemeral is setting yourself up for failure. Learn to seek  validation from God in everything you do. Are you choosing a life partner,  building a home, raising your kids, starting a job, or building a business? Ask God  to validate your choice. Nothing is too insignificant or important to seek His  guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own  understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your  paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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