But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (CSB)
Social media can create a lethal environment of comparison and competition — even, perhaps especially, when it comes to good things: a clean and organized home, happy children, eating delicious food, serving the marginalized. It’s easy to feel insecure or inadequate, and despite everything that’s happening in the world right now, those feelings might not easily hide away.
We’re constantly scrolling trying to stay on top of the latest news, but in the midst of it, we might see other parents who are more capably creating a productive home life for their kids stuck at home. We might see those with privileges we can only dream of on a regular day, let alone during a crisis. Our lack may come out in anger and frustration toward those closest to us, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
We don’t have to pretend to have it all or have it altogether.
It’s not what we post that matters but the state of our hearts that matters the most. How do we treat those in our homes when everyone is in everybody else’s space? What’s our attitude like in response to the inconveniences caused by others, by the pandemic? Are we judging or are we compassionate? Are we looking out to see who’s in need or are only looking inward, hoarding everything we can because we can?
God looks at our hearts, desiring them to look more like His. May we be reflections of our God — loving others, advocating for them, caring for them as we do for ourselves.
[bctt tweet=”It’s not what we post that matters but the state of our hearts that matters the most. ” username=”incourage”]
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(in)courage friends,
The state of our heart matters, and sadly our hearts are deceitful…the Bible tells us this. So what do we do? We, now, more than ever need to hide God’s word in our hearts. We need to dwell on what is good, pure, lovely, praiseworthy, excellent, and true. To combat the negativity swirling around us, I wanted to share my recent blog post, “Hoarding God’s Word.” http://walkingwellwithgod.blogspot.com/2020/03/hoarding-gods-word-plus-giveaway.html
Storing up His word has a lot more impact than storing up toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and hand-sanitizer. Praying for a hedge of protection to be around us all. #LoveOverAll
Blessings,
Bev xx
Right on, Bev, right on.
This plague is man-made; we should be using commonsense, not giving in to deliberate fostering of incompetence and fear. What a farce the great Easter services are cancelled- in our church, anyway. They could easily be held outdoors.
Amazing, isn’t it, the name of the Lord is bandied, used profanely – yet people shrink if you mention the Devil. Who right now is hard at work.
Let’s go with the old hymn,
‘Courage brother, Do not stumble Though thy path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble – Trust in God and do the right.’
God can use all things for our good and for his glory. What an encouragement to hear at online church this morning that while there are usually 35,000 people attending our church, last weekend online there were 135,000 people watching. And another large church had 15,000 accept Christ after watching their online service when regularly they have 1000 people accept Christ at service.
Elizabeth,
Great hymn to sing!! Our church is not holding services either and I think the enemy is delighted…
The path may appear “dark as night” but let’s continue trusting in God and doing what is right.
Praying for a hedge of protection to be around you and your sweet little girl…
Blessings sister,
Bev xx
Having woke up earlier today and began by spending some time in God’s word, this resonates with what I read and how I have been feeling. The unrest that underlies my soul al day needs to refocus on what I can control and what I can do to be helpful and to let go of what I can’t. Time spent in the word is much more calming than that spent on social media. As always so thankful to (in)courage for the daily encouragement these posts bring
Real stories. Not fancy posts. That’s one of the reasons I read inCourage. Some of the real stories are about women being broke during the coronavirus emergency. Some hard-working ladies who are on social security now. Prayers and advocacy requested. I’m praying for others in whatever circumstance now.
The lovely blog ends by saying: “May we be reflections of our God — loving others, advocating for them, caring for them as we do for ourselves.” But…what if you’re struggling with reflecting God because you yourself are struggling to care for yourself (mentally, spiritually, emotionally)? What if you feel lacking because perhaps… you ARE lacking…?
In Courage,
The devil, while working overtime right now, thinks he is winning the war. Take heart everyone for God has overcome this world. During this time of crisis some people are using their talents/businesses for God’s work. For instance State Line Drive In in Elizabethton, TN was used yesterday to host a drive thru church service. Others are getting their services via internet. People may not want to go to church, but they are scared & need some assurance. To that end they are turning to TV, Internet & other church services. More people are hearing the word of God this week than ever before. If you can’t go out & do your usual routine you will look for answers anywhere you can. God is using this crisis to woo as many people to Him as possible. We need to take this opportunity to make sure our hearts are right with God. Then go out & spread some of His love to this scared hurting world. Tell everyone there is someone who will see them through to the other side. Let’s all check the state of our hearts making sure His word is hidden there. During this time may we reflect Christ to this world.
Blessings 🙂