The Search For IdentitySample

FAVORED BY GOD People judge each other by their physical charisma. A better looking person or a taller one is often deemed and chosen to be the leader. But, the Word of God says that we must not judge by such superficial criteria. We look at the outward appearance but the Lord sees the heart or the inner man. Even school teachers though they say don't judge a book by its cover go ahead and discriminate among children on the basis of their looks. True, David was personable and strong but the Lord chose him to be King of Israel not for these qualities but for his quality of faith in God, his attitude of praise and worship and his outstanding courage. David had his moment of weakness, for David too fell in the sight of God and men when he wantonly fell prey to the physical charisma of a bathing beauty, Bathsheba wife of one of his own soldiers. But, his repentance was genuine as he confessed his sin. The Lord restored David to his divine favour as he trusted in the mercy of God. We too must develop this God-like ability to peel off the external factors like a fair skin, good features, stature, wealth, educational qualification, family background and so on. After peeling these off, we will be able to see the inner man. We can also pray for the gift of discernment that the Holy Spirit gives that enables us to have a preview of a man's psyche and character. We should pray," Lord, teach me to see and judge as You see and judge." Each of the Psalms written by David gives us an insight into the man's heart. They speak of a man who has a very deep and intimate personal relationship with Jehovah. He experiences God in his various dimensions as Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah El Shaddai. He attributed all his success and achievements to his delighting in the Word of God. He admitted his failure and sinfulness and sought mercy as well as grace to overcome willful sins as well as hidden ones. In his many afflictions, he accepted that it was good that he was afflicted so that he would learn God's perfect will for his life. His self-emptying, brokenness and contrition won the favor of God. He acknowledged God's presence at all times and said that there were pleasures evermore at the right hand of God and to dwell in His presence for even one day was worth more than a thousand spent elsewhere.