Human expectations and standards are not the same as God’s. When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel– to follow Saul’s reign– Samuel was reminded that a man’s stature and physical attributes say nothing of his heart. God alone knew what was written on the heart of Jesse’s sons that passed before Samuel and God alone knew who Israel needed to lead them–a shepherd named David.

This is both a comforting and terrifying thought. To be seen by God in this way, for our innermost thoughts to be known, is intimate. This is not the picture of a god that doesn’t care about his people. Our Heavenly Father knows his children like a shepherd knows his sheep. A shepherd knows what his sheep need for sustenance, he knows where danger lies, and he guides them on the right path.

In exchange for this level of intimacy, we must realize that all of our sinful thoughts are laid bare before our holy God. We have no secrets. Bringing our burdens to God should be easy because he already knows them. But this may also hold us back. Grief over the things we have done, or the thoughts we have had, may make us want to keep back our prayers. Allow godly grief, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to bring you to repentance. Do not believe any lie that tells you to clean up your life before seeking the Lord. This cannot be done in your own power and will keep you from God.

As it says in Romans 12, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our hearts and our minds can turn toward God and holiness or lead us to a path of destruction. Choose in your heart today to follow the Good Shepherd who supplies all your needs.