When You Feel Unseen: Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of the Struggle

There are seasons in life when our hearts feel heavy - when we feel unloved, devalued, or unseen. These moments are painful and deeply personal, and yet are never overlooked by God. In fact, these are the very times when it becomes vitally important to rehearse the truth of God’s faithfulness in our lives when our emotions pull us in an opposing direction. The challenge is to bring our jaded perspective back into alignment with what is eternally true.

Remember the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 16? He was following God’s direction to anoint the next king of Israel. Standing before a strong, impressive warrior, Samuel thought he had found the one. But God corrected him with a powerful truth:

“Humans look at outward appearances, but the LORD looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

God sees deeper than others can and He even sees deeper than we see ourselves. He sees your heart, your struggles, your perseverance, your hopes and dreams, questions and fears. You are never invisible to Him.

Consider Leah’s predicament in Genesis 29. She wasn't the chosen one in the eyes of her husband Jacob. Overlooked, devalued and caught in a web of comparison and rejection, this season was anything but easy. And yet, God saw her.

“When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, He enabled her to conceive…” (Genesis 29:31)

Leah’s story is not just one of sorrow; it’s one of transformation. In verse 35, she gives birth to Judah and says, “This time I will praise the Lord.”

Praise as detailed here isn’t born out of duty or obligation. It wasn’t even hope for change. It was a pure declaration of God’s goodness in the midst of difficulty. Leah praised not because her circumstances had changed, but because God never had. In your own life, can you pause - right in the middle of your trial - and say, “This time I will praise the Lord”? Not for what might happen, but for who He already is?

You are not a mistake or an afterthought. You are God’s masterpiece, created with purpose, intention, and beauty. The very fabric of your being declares the splendor of His craftsmanship. Even if the world fails to affirm you, God already has.

Page 7 of “This Time I Will Praise the Lord” lists several Bible truths to meditate on. Take time to reflect on these promises. Let them anchor your heart. Let them remind you that you are seen, you are known, and you are deeply loved.

Don’t let temporary feelings define eternal truths. Rehearse His faithfulness. Celebrate His goodness. And even in the silence or the sorrow, remember: God sees your heart, and He responds with love that is perfectly tailored to your situation.

This time, praise the Lord.