Isn’t it absolutely awe-inspiring that while people often look at our outward appearance—our flaws, failures, or even the messiness of our lives—God sees our hearts? He doesn’t judge us by what the world values, but instead, He looks deeper, beyond the surface, and sees us for who we truly are. 1 Samuel 16:7 says: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.’”

This truth has been on my heart all week as I’ve talked with a few friends who are going through incredibly difficult seasons. They’ve been misjudged, hurt by others, or weighed down by the feeling that no one sees or truly understands them. It reminded me of times in my own life when I felt unseen or unfairly judged.

Sometimes it’s hard to face situations like gossip, lies, or backstabbing, but these actions often reflect the condition of the person’s heart. Matthew 12:34 reminds us: “For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” When someone speaks or acts unkindly, it often reveals bitterness or brokenness in their own lives. It’s so tempting in those moments to want to scream, “You don’t know the full story!” But here’s the comforting truth: we don’t always have to justify ourselves. God sees everything, and He knows us completely.

And what He sees? It’s not the brokenness others focus on. It’s the heart He loves, the person He created with intention and care. His love is so vast, so deep, that it’s impossible to measure. Psalm 103:11 says: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him.” He doesn’t just love us abstractly—His love is personal and tender. He takes us under His wings like a mother bird protecting her young, keeping us warm and safe. Psalm 91:4 says: “He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”

Even when we feel broken or overlooked, God calls us the apple of His eye. Deuteronomy 32:10 says: “He found him in a desolate land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, cared for him, and protected him as the pupil of His eye.” Imagine that! You are so dear to Him that He holds you as His most cherished treasure.

When life feels heavy—when others misjudge or misunderstand us, when the trials of life threaten to overwhelm—it’s comforting to know that God not only loves us but also provides for us in every way. Philippians 4:19 reminds us: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He doesn’t just give us enough to survive; He lavishes His care on us, restoring and strengthening us through it all. Zephaniah 3:17 captures His heart so beautifully: “The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing.”

And through those seasons of hurt or struggle, He doesn’t leave us where we are. He holds us close, grows us through the pain, and gives us beauty from the ashes. Haggai 2:9 promises: “The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the Lord of Armies. “I will provide peace in this place.”

As Dr. Jay Adams said: “Christians should be the most relaxed people on earth—not because they are free of problems, but because they know that God is in control and that He judges righteously.”

Even during these situations, we have to guard and preserve our own hearts. It’s so easy to become bitter, angry, or even tempted to seek revenge, but we can’t let that heart condition take root and contaminate us. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” We can bring our hurt, frustration, and pain to God, trusting Him to heal us and to fight the battles we cannot. Forgiveness and surrender may not come easily, but they protect our hearts from the weight of resentment and keep us aligned with God’s love and grace.

So, sweet sister, if you’re feeling unseen, unloved, or weighed down by others’ words or actions, take heart. God sees you, He loves you, and He holds you close under His wings. Trust Him to fight your battles and grow you through the pain. Let Him comfort and bless you as only He can. You are precious in His sight, and His plans for you are always good.