A Prayer to See and Show What’s on the Inside
By Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
“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

Listen or Read Below:

Recently, I listened to a lovely podcast by a poet I follow. It was a very thoughtful essay, full of raw awareness. It felt brave to me because I wondered if anyone else listening might wonder why she cared what a bird was thinking on the inside. I, however, hung on every word. This poet described a bird that landed daily on the wire outside her window but fled when other birds arrived. Studying this bird's behavior allowed her to wonder about its skittishness. It seemed he felt intimidated... like he didn't belong. Yet little did this bird know—someone was caring deeply for him.

As humans, we’re given the gift of vocal interaction, compassionate touch, and eyes to see what is happening all around us. I also believe we’re given the ability to see what's happening on the inside, even if we ignore it. We often take great measures to hide these things because we live in a world that worships success, confidence, and outward appearances. And although 1 Samuel 16:7 says the Lord looks at the heart, I believe we can too. 

Everyone wears a surface persona, but lives with their inner person. And no matter how together the people around you may look, we all know there’s more than enough turmoil for all of us. There must be a good reason James 5:16 encourages us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we can be healed. Each of us is carrying something that would be lighter if shared with a caring soul. It doesn't even have to be your spouse, your family, or your best friend. It can even be that out-of-the-blue stranger who is patient enough to allow what's trapped inside to surface. Or you may be that stranger for someone else. 

The daily news reminds us that we live in a harsh world. I know it's natural to draw quick conclusions about people based on their outward demeanor. But why not first ask yourself if you’re hiding anything that hurts. And then, look at others again with new awareness. 

We're all struggling to be vulnerable for fear of being rejected, unfollowed, criticized, or abandoned. But God promises us we are never, ever alone. He also tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that everything that is seen is temporary. It's the unseen things that are eternal. Things like the grief we share. The love we feel. The presence and care we offer without expectation. Honesty, tears, passionate devotion... these can all feel frightening. So we can take these feelings to God, who sees our insides. But he’s also placed others in this world to hold those feelings with you. Maybe if you’re willing to reveal the less-than-perfect or messy inside story, your courage can create space for someone else to do the same. 

We’re all broken vessels. But our souls and hearts are treasures that endure. I want to bear this in mind the next time I'm in line at the grocery store, or I'm waiting at the doctor's office, or just moving through the sea of life filled with people who need each other. I want to talk less about outer appearances and listen more to inner truths. I'm not encouraging tapping everyone on the shoulder and asking them to bare their souls. Just to maybe consider that the person you're interacting with may also have a measure of hidden pain similar to yours. And you may be in their life to help them through, even if just in the moment. 

If we don’t hide our own struggles—and don’t hurt anyone, betray anyone’s confidence, or gossip by sharing them—then maybe others can feel safe with us. And maybe we can help each other orient our hearts to God. For when we are weak, then He is strong. 

Let’s Pray:

Lord, help me to see others with your eyes. To understand that every heart holds a story and needs understanding. I can hardly bring my own troubles to you. So I’m asking you to show me how to share what’s inside me with others in a way that helps them feel seen, too. Because when we admit our pain and weakness, we allow your grace to heal.

Even you showed us, in Gethsemane, that being vulnerable with your friends was strong, not weak. Help me to see beyond outer appearances everywhere I go today, and be ready to truly care about the insides of everyone I see.

Thank you and Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes

Lia Girard is a seasoned writer, poet, and voice artist who formerly served as Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com. She currently co-hosts the Your Daily Prayer podcast on LifeAudio, and shares her peaceful, reflective poetry inspired by the wonders of nature on Instagram @wildpeace.poetry. Lia enjoys life with her husband and grown children, and walking in the woods with God.

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