Have you ever felt unseen, specifically as a Christian mother? Like you’re overlooked. As if your hard work and dedication go unnoticed by your Creator? I know in my head that this is not true, yet I often feel it difficult for my heart to believe. Many mothers experience this struggle. We know what the Bible says. We can look up the verses that say otherwise but still wrestle with the lies. The truth is that what may seem unimportant to the world around us is precious to God. We are seen. Because what Earth ignores, Heaven adores.
Earth Ignores, Heaven Adores
I left my job back in 2017, right before I had my first child. My due date got closer; sure enough, 4 days early, my son was born. The rush of hormones after the accomplishment of childbirth was thrilling, making me feel empowered in a whole new way. After the initial excitement wore off and my husband returned to work, I felt invisible. It suddenly dawned on me that my sleepless nights wouldn’t result in a paycheck at the end of the week. No tips for the middle-of-the-night diaper changes or a Christmas bonus for the pacifying of a fussy newborn. I wish I would have more fully understood that what was unimportant to the world was precious to God.
Yes, during that time, I had my sweet husband’s support and encouragement. I absolutely want to acknowledge that! Simply put, I ignorantly thought there would be more praise for all the unseen effort I was putting forth. At the time, it felt as if my work as a new mother and housewife was insignificant to the world. I craved recognition. Even more than what my husband could rightly give me. Fast forward to 2024, and 3 children later, I still face this struggle. But through God’s abundant mercy and grace, I’ve been able to rest in the truth that what Earth ignores, Heaven adores. Our labor is not in vain.
Nothing Insignificant
“Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.” (Psalm 33:18)
As Bible-believing mamas, may we wholeheartedly believe this truth. God watches us every single moment of every single day. The sweeping of crumbs, the picking up of Legos, the loading of dishes, the cleaning of toilets, all of it in the moment feels insignificant. But when we allow the Spirit to graciously shift our perspectives, we see that every work the Lord sets before us is purposeful. “Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). May our work, whatever that consists of, be to the glory of God because he sees us, because we have eternal hope in his steadfast love.
When we serve our family with this frame of mind, it changes everything. Suddenly the meal planning and potty training aren’t as insignificant as once believed. Daily discipline and follow-through are infinitely valuable to our Creator. Because what is unimportant to the world is precious to God. While many of us crave recognition, particularly in motherhood, being seen by God is worth far more than any recognition we might receive from others. It gives us a far greater drive and purpose than anything we could humanly aspire to.
The God Who Sees
We know God sees us. Let’s look deeper at another example of this in Scripture found in Genesis 16. Many of us are familiar with this story. Abraham and Sarah were promised many descendants despite their age and childlessness. They become impatient and wrongfully use their Egyptian servant to become pregnant with Abraham’s child. Sarah eventually abuses Hagar and commands her to flee. While Hagar was running, an angel of the Lord found her and spoke to her. She responds with, “…So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’” (Genesis 16:13)
According to the article entitled “The Meaning and Importance of God’s Name ‘El Roi’- The God Who Sees Me,” the author Hope Bolinger informs us that the Hebrew meaning of this specific name that Hagar uses is El Roi: The God Who Sees. “Roi” in the original Hebrew can be translated to shepherd or as seeing, looking, or gazing.
El Roi Even Today
Bringing this full circle, we can see how what is unimportant to the world is important to God. We can see so clearly how his eye is gazing upon those who are lowly and seeking out those who are ignored and forgotten. Looking at his children and equipping them to be steadfast, immovable, and to labor on in love.
This name has taken me to depths in my relationship with God, which has transformed the way I view motherhood. A few words spoken by an outcasted Egyptian slave girl thousands of years ago have impacted the way I view God today. How incredible. I pray that these words will do the same for you. Whatever season you find yourself in. Whether you’re rocking a fussy newborn, worn out from a full-time job, or adjusting to an empty nest, may you be utterly convinced that because of Jesus, his favor rests upon you and our Heavenly Father is El Roi, The God Who Sees you when those around you may not. What Earth Ignores, Heaven Adores.
Laboring On
All of this is such good news. But I want to be honest: I can struggle to call all of this to mind amid the continual sacrificing that comes with being a mother. I am willing to make sacrifices for my family, but I unknowingly expect reciprocity. Recently, I was listening to a sermon by Rick Atchley in which he said, “The best gift we can give in ministry is generosity devoid of expectation.” Wow. One of the best gifts we can give in the ministry of motherhood is generosity, which doesn’t expect anything in return.
All of this happens when our hearts and minds are focused on Christ. Only then do we know our worth: children of God and lavished in love by the Creator of the world. It is through this life-changing perspective that we can “…not grow weary in doing good.” (Galatians 6:9) We can labor on in love and in freedom, knowing this: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
What good news we have. Though motherhood can be hard, and most of the labor is not immediately fruitful may we be reminded that what Earth ignores, Heaven adores. Because of the Father, through the finished work of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can generously give to our precious families because we know who sees us. We know what he treasures, we know that we are valued, and so is the work we are putting forth. You are loved, Mama!
Lastly, if you’re interested in reading more about motherhood, I pray that this blog post will prove to be helpful and refreshing as you labor on in this race of faith. Thank you for joining me today on The Soulfull Family!
This is so good and so true. I take great comfort in knowing that God sees me and knows me and I know that as a mama you feel unseen many times just remember God sees and knows what you’re experiencing and what you need.
Yes, He does. I am so thankful we can each experience His presence in every season of life.