But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, … For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

— 1 Samuel 16:7

“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

— Jeremiah 17:10

“These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

— 1 Corinthians 2:10

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

— James 4:8

“But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.”

— Psalm 73:28

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

May God’s searching Spirit lead you to His mercy throne day after day.

We know our Creator and loving God assesses the reality within our heart. With divine omniscience, God searches and knows the undeniable bottom line of who we are and how we think. He knows what we seek and why. He recognizes what we understand and what confuses us. He discerns the authority exerting the most power over us and our daily choices. While God’s unlimited knowledge of our inmost being can be daunting, this fact also brings comfort. God also knows the right way and perfect timing to reveal truth so we can hear and understand.

Jesus offers transforming power to the lives of those who follow, love, and cling to Him. We will exercise our will to not allow any excuse to hold us back from fully trusting Jesus, the Son of God. We may always ask God to help us see and believe all He has revealed to us through His living Word—Jesus. We will keep and stay in an intimate relationship with our Savior Jesus who also longs for the same relationship.