God Sees Everything

As I read my devotions today, I noticed that a particular sentence kept reappearing. In Matthew 6, Jesus said three times: "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." It is found in verses 4,6, and 18 and was said in regard to giving, praying, and fasting. We are not to do things just so other people notice and praise us for what we did. If we do that, we've already received our reward here on earth and we won't receive one in heaven. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather receive a reward from God Himself than from anyone here on earth!

What came to my mind each time I read "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." was the fact that I sing on the worship team at my church. I know God has given me the gift of singing, but I am obviously not using that gift "in secret". Yes, I do sing when no one else can hear me; but I can't sing in secret when I'm standing up on the stage. It was then that I realized God was reminding me of my attitude when I was singing. It can be easy to get into the mindset of wanting to hear compliments from people when you are doing something up front for all to see. It can be easy to feel upset when the same people always get solos, and you are not one of those who get one. I've dealt with these feelings a lot, but Satan continues to try to trip me up and get me to focus on the wrong things. What I have tried to do is keep my focus on God. He is the one I'm singing to. He is the one who has given me this gift and I want to praise Him with it. I don't need to hear other people tell me how pretty I sounded. I don't need to sing a solo so everyone can hear just my voice. God hears ME every time that I sing, even if no one else can!! God wants me to focus on HIM when I sing, not anyone else. When I keep my focus on Him, I am worshipping Him the way He wants and He accepts that offering.

I'm sure there are others who may read this blog that are using a gift or talent that God has given to them and it something public, that all can see. Maybe you are discouraged because you feel that no one cares or appreciates what you do. Maybe you never hear "thank you" for what you do. I understand that it can be easy to get frustrated and maybe even cause you to consider quitting what you are doing. I just want to encourage you to NOT get discouraged when people don't acknowledge all that you do. Be reminded of the promise that GOD sees what is done "in secret". To me, "in secret" refers to that what people cannot see. God sees your heart and therefore your motives. Others may not know what your true motives are for doing things, but God does. You WILL be rewarded if you are doing what God has called you to do if you are doing it with pure motives. Hearing God say "Thank You!" will be far better than hearing it from people here on earth! Persevere! Keep doing what you are doing and don't let Satan get you discouraged when he tries to tell you no one notices or cares. He is a liar! GOD notices and He cares!