When You Feel Underappreciated

Editor’s Note: Have you ever written a letter to Jesus? What other ways can you communicate with Him besides prayer? Jesus, I Need You is a collection of prayers to Jesus, written as letters. Each letter covers a topic or feeling that we all have likely been through before, helping us connect with God more intimately and encourage healthy communication with Christ. Following each letter is a short devotional and inspiring message. We pray this inspires you to write a letter to Jesus and live with unwavering faith in every season.

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Underappreciated

Dear Jesus, Is it wrong for me to feel underappreciated? I work so hard. I give my time, my effort, and my money. And it’s as if no one even notices. Sometimes I have to wonder whether what I do even matters. Would anyone notice if I just . . . stopped?

I know I’m having a bit of a pity party, Lord. And Your Word tells me to serve in secret, to give in secret, but a simple “thank you” would do wonders for my spirit right now. I’m hurt and discouraged. Please clear away these feelings and all the negative thoughts from my mind. Help me see clearly what it is I need to be doing—what You want me to do. Guide me through this dark time with Your perfect light.

You tell me, Lord, that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that in serving others, I am really serving You. So I give myself to You and to Your service. Use my hands, my feet, these gifts You’ve given me to shine for You. And while I still wouldn’t mind a bit of appreciation here on earth, I know that You are smiling down on me from heaven.

“Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —ISAIAH 41:10

Serving others can sometimes be a thankless job, but it’s never an unrewarded one. Your heavenly Father sees all the good that you do, and He will reward you (Matthew 6:4). Remember that truth, let it strengthen and encourage you when you feel less than appreciated. Consider all the ways you serve others: Where do you feel unappreciated? Where do you feel you’re making a difference? Are there people serving around you who could use a word of thanks?

Excerpted with permission from Jesus, I Need You, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Lord, help me to remember that what I do is to serve You, to honor You, and to bless You. Help me to find true joy in that because I know You are pleased and what I do is a fragrant offering that makes You smile. Today, let’s give the work we do to the Lord and know that we will be rewarded! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily