What Is God Saying to Us Today?

Daily Office Readings – Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Readings: Psalm 38; 1 Samuel 20:1–23; Acts 12:18–25; Mark 2:13–22

The psalmist prays, “O Lord, you know all my desires, and my sighing is not hidden from you.” (Psalm 38:9)

What a comforting thought. We may hide our fears, disappointments, and longings from others, but nothing is hidden from God. He looks beyond our outward appearance and sees the heart.

David experienced this truth firsthand. Saul’s jealousy had grown into a relentless determination to kill him. David could have become consumed with fear or sought revenge. Instead, God provided Jonathan—a loyal friend whose heart was guided by love rather than ambition. Jonathan risked his own position as heir to the throne because he recognized God’s hand upon David’s life. Their friendship reminds us that one faithful friend can become God’s instrument of hope during our darkest moments.

Acts presents a striking contrast between two hearts. Herod ruled with power and authority, yet his heart was driven by pride. After Peter escaped from prison, Herod ordered the execution of the guards. Later, while receiving the praise of the crowds, he accepted their declaration that he spoke with the voice of a god. Instead of giving glory to God, he embraced glory for himself. Luke tells us that Herod died suddenly, while “the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”

Earthly power fades, but God’s kingdom continues to grow.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus again looks beyond appearances. He calls Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to become one of His disciples. Religious leaders saw a traitor and a sinner. Jesus saw a heart ready to respond to God’s invitation. Later, when criticized for eating with tax collectors and for not following the customary fasts, Jesus reminded them that the presence of the bridegroom is a time for celebration, not mourning. God’s kingdom is not built on outward religious performance but on transformed hearts that rejoice in His presence.

These readings ask us an important question: What does God see when He looks into my heart?

He is not impressed by our titles, achievements, or religious routines. He sees our desires, our motives, our fears, and our hopes. He knows when we are like Jonathan, quietly serving another. He knows when we are tempted to become like Herod, seeking recognition for ourselves. And He knows when we are like Levi, longing for a new beginning.

The good news is that God does not merely see our hearts—He is able to transform them.

Perhaps today God is inviting us to stop worrying so much about appearances and instead allow Him to shape the desires hidden deep within us. For those hidden desires are never hidden from God.

Prayer

Lord, You know my heart better than I know it myself. Search me and shape my desires so that they reflect Your love. Give me the loyalty of Jonathan, the humility that Herod lacked, and the willingness of Levi to leave everything behind and follow Jesus. May my life reveal a heart that longs to walk with You each day. Amen.