The Upper Room Devotional 17 March 2026, Tuesday Message
God’s Love
Jeannie Pagni Smith (Nevada, USA)
Today’s Reading
1 Samuel 16:1-13
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)
I have moles, warts, red spots, dark spots, cysts, skin tags, and more, and I sometimes feel deep shame that I have these unwanted marks. Over the years I have seen dermatologists to have many of these blemishes removed.
On a recent visit, one of my doctors noted how soft my skin was and said I did a great job moisturizing. Another said I had excellent tone in my arm muscles and must be exercising regularly. I appreciated that they were able to see past things that bother me so much and focus on the positive and the effort I put into caring for my body.
But isn’t this exactly what God does in our lives? God looks past our blemishes and sees the good — always encouraging us to do our best and then supporting us to move forward. In fact, in 1 Samuel 16:7, Samuel is instructed not to consider the outward appearance of a person but to look at the heart of a person like God does.
I’m thankful I can serve the Lord no matter my outer appearance. I’m even more thankful that God loves and accepts every one of us just the way we are — sometimes warts and all!
Thought for the Day
God loves me just the way I am.
Prayer Focus
To accept myself as I am
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More from Jeannie Pagni Smith
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for looking past our flaws and examining our hearts to see the good within us. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 17 March 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More