There are those who use the verse above to excuse their sins, when, in reality, the Lord is stating quite the opposite. When Samuel went to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be a future king of Israel, Jesse sent them to stand before him one by one, beginning with the most obvious choice, the eldest. Yet, God rejected Eliab, and all the other brothers who were present. Learning of David, the youngest, Samuel sent for him and, upon his arrival, the Lord said to Samuel, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” (v13).

In Jeremiah 17:9-10 (AMP), we read that the heart is wicked and deceitful. The text asks, “Who can know its secret motives?” The Lord goes on to say, “I, the Lord, examine the mind and test the heart, to give each man according to his ways.” Jesse’s other sons may have been good sons, but God knew their hearts. He knew what their minds thought on throughout the day and when they lay their heads down at night. He knew their secret sins about which no-one else may have known. He knew if their thoughts were evil or good. He knew if they had a lackadaisical attitude toward Him or if they longed for Him. He knew their deepest desires, good or bad. Likewise, God knows all that we keep hidden in our hearts. 

When God looked upon the heart of David, He saw a boy who made time for Him. He saw a heart that longed to worship Him. God knew his heart’s desire was to spend intimate time in His presence. In David, God saw a godly young man, and He chose him because of his heart. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist states, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” We see that kind of heart in young David.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am thankful that You are a Father Who knows every intricate detail about me. Even when others misunderstand me or look down on me, You always know my heart. I pray that You see my heart’s desire is to be a greater reflection of You. Please help me to get my heart so on track for You, that You become the focus of my life. Thank You for patiently molding me into the child You created me to be, as I submit myself into Your hands. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

What is the condition of your heart? Is it spiritually evil or godly? What consumes your mind, the things of Heaven or those of this dark world? What are your deepest desires? Are there areas that you have not released to God? Are there some sins or weights that heavily burden you, keeping you from walking in Jesus’ likeness? Make today the day you truly place those areas of weakness in God’s hands. Read Jeremiah 29:11 and prepare your heart for the plans He has for you.