Back in 2023, the Lord provided us a new vehicle to drive. Along with that, my husband gifted me a membership at a local car wash. Recently, I was driving through the car wash with every intention of availing myself of the “free” vacuums included with my membership. However, the line was unusually long, and I was pressed for time. I thought, “As long as the outside is clean, that’s all that matters.”
As soon as that thought came across my mind, the Holy Spirit reminded me of I Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
This thought consumed me the rest of the day. I was reminded of all the times I got ready for the day on the outside (showered, got dressed, styled hair, applied makeup, etc.)—what others would see—but failed to “clean” the inside—what only God can see.
Many times, we are in such a hurry in the mornings that we fail to take time to prepare the inside of ourselves for the day. Let us determine to be like the Psalmist and ask the Lord, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
by Erin Montgomery
