God does not look at outward appearance but our heart.

Here is a poem for God, acknowledging that He sees beyond our outward appearance to the truth within our hearts, woven with supporting scripture.

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The Unseen Altar

I bring You words, a crafted prayer, I sing the hymns with practiced care. I bow my head when others see, But You,O God, look straight through me.

You see the tremor in the hand, The shifting stones on shifting sand, The quiet pride I cannot hide, The broken places deep inside.

"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)

I cannot cloak my silent shame, Or fan to life a faithless flame. You know the weight I truly bear, Behind the mask of"I am fair." You trace the contour of each fear, Each whispered doubt You hold it near.

So here I am, stripped bare and plain, No more to hide the stain or strain. This heart I offer—raw and real— For You to see,for You to heal.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."(Psalm 139:23-24)

You do not ask for grand displays, For perfect words or sunlit days. You ask for truth,however sore, A contrite heart,You ask for more.

"My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."(Psalm 51:17)

So take this heart, Lord, make it new, And let it beat alone for You. For in the seeing,You impart The grace to change a human heart.