God Sees You

We recently got back from a staycation with my family. When we got home, Tyler and I took the kids to his parent’s house (AKA our next door neighbors) and I came back home to set up the kids’ rooms for bedtime. I ended up unloading the whole car and putting everything away from our week-long trip.

When Tyler came back with the kids, I told him: “I unloaded the whole car and put everything away.” 

“Cool,” he said, scrolling through his phone. 

I paused. His response wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, so I said, “I’m going to repeat myself in case you missed it. I unloaded the ENTIRE CAR and put EVERYTHING away.” 

He put down his phone and smiled at me, “Wow, babe, that’s awesome. Thank you so much for doing that.” Then he kissed me and offered me a massage.

See, sometimes it does help to repeat yourself! Ha!

But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

This morning, I noticed this verse of the day on the YouVersion Bible app. It made me think about whose praise I’m prioritizing. 

I don’t think it’s unscriptural or unholy for me to seek my husband’s recognition or praise – however, I do think that I can oftentimes feel under-appreciated or like all that I do somehow doesn’t matter if no one sees it or recognizes it. 

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.

Hebrews 4:13

However, there is one being who sees every single thing: God. 

He sees the middle of the night feedings and the early morning risings when no one else is awake. 

God sees us serving our families in all of the daily, humdrum ways that no one else ever notices. 

He sees us cleaning up poop and vomit and who knows what else! 

And it’s HIS praise that we should be seeking above all. 

Jesus’ Example

Jesus didn’t pursue the things that the men around Him deemed important (John 6:15). The gospel of John says that He didn’t entrust Himself to men (John 2:24). He knew how fickle and fleeting men’s praises were. He experienced that firsthand. One week before He was crucified by the crowds, they praised Him as a victorious king as He entered into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11). Jesus focused on His Father and really only cared what God thought of Him (John 5:41). 

Jesus is the epitome of all of the things we want to be as moms: gentle, compassionate, hard-working, wise, insightful. And yet, His disciples took Him for granted, people around Him didn’t appreciate Him for what He really was, and He was often frustrated by people’s lack of faith in Him.

But, He was ultimately victorious. And we can be, too (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Here’s the bottom line, mama: God sees you.

He will reward you for your hidden work. The best is yet to come!

Maybe there’s someone in your life who takes you for granted. 

Perhaps you’re feeling weighed down by someone who is constantly critical of you. 

Maybe there’s someone you’re trying to please who will never truly be satisfied. 

If that’s the case, take heart that God sees you, mama.

Choose to pursue praise from God – our eternal, unchanging Father – rather than the fickle and fleeting praise from other people. 

If you’re struggling to feel at peace today, read more here and here.

In Him,