“Does what I do really matter?” Yes it does.
Have you ever felt like your hard work went unnoticed or you didn’t make a difference?
We’ve all had these kinds of thoughts and feelings, they are not unusual. King David is the only person in the Bible who God calls a man after His own heart. [Acts 13:22]. Yet, even David felt overlooked by those around him, and those who he would have thought would support him.
When God told Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel, Samuel met with Jesse and his sons. Each of Jesse’s sons appeared to have the qualities of a good king, but God didn’t choose any of them, and this baffled them.
“… the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”1 SAMUEL 16:7
Reluctantly. because he didn’t think his youngest son was important, Jesse said that there was one son left, David, who was watching the sheep. At that time, shepherds were considered unclean and dirty, which is probably why David wasn’t originally invited. But although others overlooked him, God chose David to lead Israel.
Even when David was unseen, God saw him—just like He sees you now. This should be our encouragement, God sees us, and God values us. Psalm 139 tells us that ‘we are fearfully and wonderfully made’, and Ephesians 2:10 ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’. What we do does make a difference, so take comfort that you contribution is of value and has an impact.
If God can use David, an ordinary shepherd, to do amazing things, then He can use you, too.
What you do when no one is looking is shaping you into who God made you to be and preparing you for the plans He has for you. Just like David, continue to diligently put your faith in God.
Today, why not spend some time connecting with the God who sees you, loves you, and values you through Guided Prayer. If it’s ehlpful you can use the YouVersion Daily Prayer App – click the link.