When was the last time you sat and just dreamed? I’m not talking about fantasizing, which is a short escape into a place with no correlation to real life (not that there’s anything wrong with that occasionally). I’m talking about dreaming of doing the things that are in your heart, but beyond what you see as ever becoming a reality. If you’re like most people, it’s been a while. Many of us have things that we would like to do, but are afraid to even try. For many it’s a matter of self doubt, or poor self image that holds them back. For some, it’s fear of failure, which can be rooted in a poor self image. You’re not alone if this sort of thinking is where you have found yourself.

In Scripture, we see a classic example of how a child might come to have a poor self image. It’s found in the early life of David. God was not happy with Israel’s leader, king Saul, because of his disobedience. So He sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to find and anoint the one who was to be the next king of Israel. He went to Jesse and asked to interview his sons in his search for the king to be. Each son, one at a time, came before Samuel but God did not approve of any of them. Seven sons and none were who God wanted as king. In fact, when Jesse’s first son was presented, although he looked like the most likely candidate , God said:

“Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7; NASB)

When Samuel asked Jesse if he had anymore sons, Jesse said the youngest was out tending the sheep. It was David. His own father didn’t even think to present him to Samuel because he was small and weak compared to his brothers. He was the last one of the bunch anyone would have considered for the job. The rest is history.

David was a man after God’s heart. He had slain lions and bears as a shepherd, defeated the giant Goliath while still a skinny youth, and went on to become the most honored and revered king in Israel’s history other than Jesus Himself. His father didn’t even think to include him in the selection process when Samuel came. When God looks at us, He does not see what everyone else sees. He doesn’t even see you as you see yourself. He sees the wonderful creation He made that is capable of far more than you’ve ever dreamed.

Go ahead and dream. Not all of your dreams will become reality, but when you bring those dreams before God, He will show you the one He’s inspired. My guess is it will be one that you never thought could be possible. If you pursue that dream to glorify His name, you will be amazed at what will happen.

Have a great week and God bless