How much of your life is lived in secret? Recently, I was reading through Matthew 6, when Jesus gives His sermon on the mount. Jesus repeats a phrase three times: “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” The phrases are in reference to giving, praying and fasting in secret.
As a stay-at-home mom, much of my life is observed only by my 16 month old. Many people work tirelessly in jobs or household tasks without any recognition at all. It feels good to be appreciated, but what happens when we aren’t?
What happens when the floors are swept and crumbs instantly appear out of nowhere?
What happens when the toys are picked up and systematically dumped out over the next five minutes?
What happens when the “Mama” demands stretch on forever?
I had to laugh when I read Matthew 6:6, about going into the room and closing the door to pray. At this season of life, closing any door to be alone feels like a luxury. However, I think the verse applies just as much to praying in the living room with only a toddler racing back and forth.
So what is the reward promised? God has promised that we can store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). But what if there are earthly rewards as well? What if living lives of faith in secret brings the reward of a deeper communion with Jesus? What if it allows Jesus to change our attitudes so that we can live in more joy?
Last year, my sister sent me a book called, “Glimpses of Grace” written by Gloria Furman, a mom of four who works in the Middle East with her husband. It’s about treasuring the gospel in your home amid all of life’s messiness. Gloria recently posted a short video on her blog based on her new book, “Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms.” You can check it out here.
We can’t magically make ourselves feel content to fill need after need in secret. We need Christ. He’s the only One who can bring the satisfaction when all I want is for everyone around me to say, “Wow, you’re really amazing to be doing all these self-less tasks. Thank you.” He is our lasting satisfaction, when all of people’s affirmation and compliments have faded away.
Are there Scriptures or books that have encouraged you in your secret life? Feel free to share by clicking on, “leave a comment” at the top of the post.
Thank you so much Alicia for these encouraging words!
My pleasure–seriously. 🙂
Hello dear Alicia! This is just wonderful! God bless you for your ministry to us through this blog. Just wanted to let you know that the Lord used this post mightily to encourage me, and then provided the opportunity for me to share it at a friend’s baby shower the next day. She has a 2 year old and a newborn, and personally, that was one of the most difficult, ‘invisible’ feeling seasons of my life. As my oldest has aged (7 now- can you believe that?) he is already a wonderful helper and a lovely conversationalist. A great companion, as well as, still, a mighty sanctifying force in my life. A friend and, I trust, a brother in Christ, as well as my son. Persevere!! Grateful to share this season of life with you, even if remotely!
Dear Rosie,
You brought tears to my eyes as I read your comment. Thank you for your encouragement and blessing, and for sharing it with others. It is such a gift to be able to connect in this wonderfully tiring journey of motherhood. I can’t believe your little guy is already seven! What a blessing it is to hear from someone farther down the road in raising children, and for sharing some of the things I can look forward to. I treasure the memories of our talks together in the village.