Heartful Reflection – A time to reflect and pause in God’s presence –

Today’s devotional has been prepared by Lindsey Reigel. Lindsey leads the Educational/Sunday School program at KCMC and is a very busy lady as a wife, mother of 3, working full time in health care and offering her gifts and talents to the work of God’s mission and the church. We are thankful for Lindsey and this thoughtful reflection from her heart.

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Heartful Reflection

Lindsey Reigel

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Lent is a time for us to reflect on our hearts. We, much like Samuel, tend to look at the outward appearance of people and objects. God looks at the heart.  God is not impressed with who our friends are, what kind of car we drive, or our best appearance on social media.  God wants us to share Him with our friends, show Him in the way we drive, and post about Him on our social platforms.  What are the “outward appearances” (pride, status, busyness, image) that we need to let go of this Lent? Are our hearts seeking God first, or are we too concerned with what others see?

Lent is also a time of repentance. Samuel was mourning Saul because he had been rejected as Israel’s king. Samuel was encouraged to move on from past sins and mistakes and to look into the future.  It was time to anoint a new king. Repentance isn’t just about being sorry; it is about turning toward a new way of living. Living with a heart that desires God; looking into the future instead of remembering past mistakes.

God chose David, the youngest and least significant of Jesse’s sons, to be the next king of Israel.  David was not in the field taking selfies with his sheep, to show off the beautiful places he had been. David was simply honoring God by worshiping Him and protecting the sheep that have been trusted to him.  David didn’t expect accolades.   Lent calls us to this same humility, inviting us to be faithful in the “small things” of our daily lives, trusting that God is preparing us for his purpose. God’s grace shows up in unexpected ways. Let us open our eyes and mind so we can see the gifts and opportunities we’ve been given.