"For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7b, NKJV
Although Gabby had just obtained a "major" Olympic victory, a great deal of focus, and criticism, was placed on her "appearance." In the midst of her magic moment, she had to contend with stress regarding her appearance.
Honestly, appearance anxieties didn't originate at 2012 Olympics, and surely not with Gabby. Recalling 1 Samuel, Chapter 16, when the Lord told Samuel, "I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons . . . you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you."
As far back as biblical times, appearance issues have existed. Notice how, as "Samuel did what the Lord said, and went to Bethlehem . . . he looked at Eliab and said, 'Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him!'"
Samuel based his thoughts solely on what his eyes could see. "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature . . . For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
Throughout ageless accounts of criticism and ostracism, far too many of us have faced demoralizing stresses, regarding our appearance. At some point, even strong stress survivors have wondered, "What's wrong with me?"
Just as God assured Samuel that appearances didn't impress Him, He assures us, as well, that man's acceptance, based on outward appearances, is of no consequence to the blessings He bestows.
Let's de-stress from appearances by keeping our hearts tuned to God's Word, and by believing when God sends forth a blessing, it's as good as GOLD.
Peace I leave with you . . .
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