Spotlight & Shadow

Scripture:

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”— 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

Devotional Thought:

The stage is designed to highlight the artist. The lights, the angles, the sounds—all point toward the one in the spotlight. But offstage? There’s a whole world behind the scenes, in the shadows, where things are built, tested, fixed, and held together.

You might feel like you live in those shadows.

Your husband steps into the spotlight to work, create, or serve, while you hold the fort—doing

the laundry, wiping the tears, paying the bills, praying over the pillow he left behind. Your name may never make it into the credits. But God sees you. He sees your sacrifice, your faith, your steadiness in the shadows.

Some of the most important Kingdom work happens outside the spotlight.

And when the world can’t see it, God still does. He honors the hidden things. The unseen ways you love your family, the quiet “yes” you give Him every day, and the tears you shed alone? They matter. Behind the scenes is sacred ground

Reflection Prompt:

Have I been believing that what I do matters?

How can I let God affirm my hidden faithfulness?

Prayer:

Lord, You see me. In the quiet moments, the mundane chores, and the long nights... I'm never unseen to You. Help me to rest in Your approval, not in the world's applause. Let my heart find joy in the shadow, where You are always present. Amen.

Journal Activity:

Write down a few things you've done recently that went unnoticed by others. Besides each one, write this truth: "God saw that."

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