Our work and our contributions can often feel unrecognized or under-appreciated by others. But God sees us. And He knows us inside and out.

The reality that God knows everything about us used to terrify me: “There is a Person in the universe that knows every evil thing I’ve ever thought, said, or done…(!?!)”

But as I have grown in my faith, and gotten to know God’s Word and God’s heart more intimately, I have come to appreciate the grace of His omniscience. God knows every-single-thing there is to know about me – and yet He still loves me! He knows every sinful and selfish thing about me, yet He remains with me and for me.

And while He knows about every act of sinfulness and selfishness I’ve ever done, He also knows about every act of faithfulness and service I have done – things no one else knows about or will ever acknowledge. God alone holds the unique position in our lives to be able to give us the affirmation and value that no one else can.

What follows is a short but poignant prayer we can lift up to God at times when we feel unknown, unseen, unrecognized, or under-appreciated:

Nothing is unknown to You, oh God, and You know that my labors often go unrecognized by others. At times, this has disheartened me.

Yet this I believe: to work is a valuable gift. You’ve placed me here with an opportunity to tend these tasks for Your glory and the good of Your children.

Indeed, the entire world revolves around Your unseen acts! Yet, despite our lack of acknowledgment of You, You are constant in Your care for us and unceasing in Your service to sustain us. May I humbly follow your example, Lord.

I give my work today as an offering to You, Jehovah El Roi, “the Lord who sees me.” Do with it what You will, and help me to receive my acknowledgement first and foremost from You, O God.

For my deepest satisfaction comes not from being seen by others – but from being profoundly and forever seen and known by You. Amen.

A Liturgy for Unseen Labors by Katy Rose
from Every Moment Holy, Vol. III

I hope you know that you are seen and known and loved and appreciated – hopefully by the people around you – but most of all by the Almighty God of the universe. He loves you, He is with you, He is for you. He sees you, knows you, and offers His affection and affirmation to you as only He can. Ask God what He thinks about you, and look for His answer in His Word.

As a side note, the people in this world who have the best knowledge of what you do and of what your contribution is are the people you live with, work with, and see most often. So you can determine to be extra-generous with your acknowledgments and appreciations of others this year! – most especially the people you live with and work with. Simply recognizing and thanking one another for what you each do will really go a long way.