From the Inside Out

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV). As we continue the series in developing a positive self-esteem, this morning’s reading reminds us that God looks at us from a different perspective than anyone else. When the Lord instructed Samuel to go to Jesse’s house and anoint the new king of Israel, all of his sons were brought out for him to look at. They were tall and strong. Samuel had no problem imagining that any of them would be a good choice for the new king. However, none of them fit God’s plan! At least none, until David was brought out for him to see. He was young and small. From all outward appearances David was not a good choice. Yet, God saw David from the perspective of what he was inwardly, not outwardly. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” It is a reminder that confidence and self-esteem comes from within. Don’t take undue criticism, especially from yourself! Here’s some practical things you can do to start living from the inside out: 1. First, remember that confident people have bad moments too. No one is immune from an occasional bout with doubt. David must have had many such moments. As we read the psalms, some of those times were apparent. However, the key for him was in remembering that God was much larger and greater than any doubt he may have about himself. Positive self-esteem is not perfection. Don’t be too hard on yourself. 2. Second, believe in yourself. If you're saying things to yourself like "You're no good at anything" then rest assured, you're wrong. Everyone can compose a sentence, get successfully to the store, and eat without choking. Don't let yourself make sweeping statements about yourself. In the long run it is this sort of thing that can really damage your self-image. Building self-esteem is not just about thinking good of yourself; it's about not thinking bad for no reason! 3. Third, life is a journey. Just because you have felt bad about yourself in the past doesn't mean you're always going to feel that way. Once you learn how to build self-confidence in a way that it stays built, you will find yourself truly changing. 4. Fourth, don’t give up. Persevere and don't expect everything at once. I wonder where David might have been if he had quit his dream of being king after the first attack of Saul. Begin with these things and more and more you will be able to see what God sees. He has a special dream for you. Trust in Him and follow Him to the throne He has reserved for you!