It is commonly said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This popular saying has its root in God’s word, which teaches us not to judge by outward appearance but to look at the heart.  It simply means that we should not be carried away by how things or people look on the outside. Samuel fell into this mistake. In Jesse’s house where he had gone to anoint Saul’s replacement by the word of the Lord, the first person that showed up was Eliab. He was Jesse’s first son, and he had the physical statistics to match. Samuel concluded that he must surely be God’s choice. God  had a different verdict. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”” I Samuel 16:7 NKJV

Judging who is courageous based solely on outward appearance is a flawed and unreliable measure…Boldness or courage is about the heart, and it is a part of our heritage as believers.

Judging who is courageous based solely on outward appearance is a flawed and unreliable measure. It will be misleading to assume that someone who appears macho and cocky is courageous. You could appear steely on the outside and be jelly-like on the inside. If boldness were all about external appearance, David could not have had a chance against Goliath. In our text, the psalmist shows us the secret of his boldness. He prayed, and the Lord infused his soul with boldness and strength. If you find yourself faltering where you ought to take bold actions, ask the Lord to strengthen you with courage in your heart. Boldness or courage is about the heart, and it is a part of our heritage as believers.