Don’t Examine My Flaws

 

By Andrea Merrell

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

 

I have a couple of friends who examine my every flaw. As soon as they see me, they give me the dreaded once-over. That’s when I know they're critiquing my hair, make-up, choice of clothes, and the pimple on my chin.

It’s like being under a magnifying glass. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Frustrating? Absolutely. But I love these people, so I’ve learned to deal with it—even though I want to tell them to give me a break and stop scrutinizing me.

There have been a few times in my life when I wanted to tell God the same thing, but without His loving examination and direction, I would never be able to change, move forward, and grow spiritually.

When we get to the point where we can be open and honest about our faults and weaknesses, we can bring them to the Lord and be confident that He will help us overcome them.

Man looks on the outward appearance, but God is more concerned with our heart. My friends can examine and critique me all they want, but it’s only God’s opinion that really counts.

The next time you feel as if someone is judging you from the outside, know that God sees what’s in your heart.

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and photostock.

 

Time to Weed the Garden

By Andrea Merrell

The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them.

People judge by outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

 

Someone once said to me, “You tromped through the weeds of my life to get to the garden of my heart.” It was many years ago, but I still think about it from time to time.

We all have weeds in our life. Unwanted plants of fear, hurt, and rejection. Bitterness. Anger. A bad attitude. A critical nature. Even various forms of addiction that spring up from the seeds we’ve sown. Sometimes those weeds can be so tall we feel as if others can’t see us at all … only our weaknesses and failures.

The Lord said to Samuel, People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. In spite of our weaknesses and all the weeds in our life, God sees only the potential in each of us. He recognizes the gifts, talents, and abilities He has placed within us. He views us as His unique and special creation. He never condemns us or passes us by because of our messy life. He lets us know when it’s time to weed the garden.

God only sees the best in us. I saw the best in my friend. Maybe it’s time we start seeing ourselves ... and others ... through His eyes.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Alesanko R.)

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God only sees the best in us. Maybe it’s time we start seeing ourselves...and others...through His eyes. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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