There is a park that I pass on my way to work. It’s slowly lost trees over the years. With each storm, we look to see what damage has appeared…
We had a storm the other night and it was a “big one”. The winds were so strong and so many things had to be fixed around town.
In this park, there were two trees right next to each other. One looked like it had seen better days… it has no leaves, the bark is a pale color, it looks like it’s starting to rot. The other tree is full and vibrant. It’s a lush green and has a deep brown bark.
Driving past the park after the storm, we saw the “healthy” tree laying down. It didn’t weather the storm. The roots had been pulled from the ground.
But that “lifeless” tree… was still standing. It hadn’t been effected by the gusts of wind. Here it is… still standing.
As we saw this, God whispered, “don’t judge by what you see.”
God judges our hearts because He’s the only one that knows and sees our hearts. We see someone’s appearance and what they choose to show us. God sees it all.
“People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
What would happen if we took this advice. If we walked with someone to truly get to know them instead of judging by what we see. Could we love the “unloveable”? Could we find more authentic relationships where you could be seen and see those around you? Could you truly understand God’s love and grace for each one of us?
Heavenly Father, I pray for each and every person reading this. I pray that our eyes would be open to what you see. Highlight people we can get to know better. Help us not be so quick to judge but quick to get to know someone. Help us be more like you, Lord. Father God, I pray that our roots would grow deep and strong and that no matter what others see of us on the outside, our roots remain strong and anchored in you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
