“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height… The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling unseen?
Maybe your words were taken the wrong way.
Maybe your intentions were questioned.
Maybe your depth was mistaken for pride… or your quietness mistaken for coldness.
It’s a lonely feeling to be misunderstood.
In 1 Samuel 16, when Samuel went to anoint the next king, everyone assumed it would be the tall, impressive, outwardly strong brother. But God corrected him. What people valued wasn’t what God valued.
God was looking at the heart.
David was overlooked.
David was underestimated.
David wasn’t even invited at first.
And yet, he was chosen.
There will be seasons in your life when others misread you. They may not understand your convictions, your boundaries, your calling, or your quiet obedience. But being misunderstood by people does not mean you are misplaced by God.
He sees what they don’t see.
He understands what you struggle to explain.
He knows your motives. And sometimes, God allows misunderstanding to refine us. It teaches us to anchor our identity in Him instead of applause. It deepens humility. It strengthens quiet confidence.
You don’t have to defend yourself to everyone.
You don’t have to correct every assumption.
You don’t have to shrink your heart to fit someone else’s comfort level.
Just stay faithful.
The same God who saw David in the pasture sees you right where you are.
Ask yourself…
1. When was the last time you felt misunderstood?
2. Did you respond from hurt… or from trust?
3. Are you seeking to be understood by people more than you are seeking to be obedient to God?
4. What would change if you fully believed that God sees your heart?
Father, You know my heart even when others don’t. When I feel misjudged or unseen, remind me that You are not confused about who I am. Guard me from pride, but also from shrinking back in insecurity. Help me stay faithful in quiet obedience, even when there is no applause. Teach me to rest in being fully known by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.