Hidden Joy, Open Reward
The quiet work no one sees is often the most loving, and the Father sees it all.
Devotional Credit: eManna by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reading from Witness Lee invites me to live from the Father’s hidden life rather than my natural desire to be noticed. Jesus points to giving that is quiet, unseen, and free from display. The world measures generosity by applause and totals, yet the Father smiles on what is done in secret. Lee highlights that this cannot be produced by our natural life. It flows from the divine life within, a life that does not crave a spotlight.
This hidden way is not small or timid. It is the boldness of a son or daughter who knows the Father sees. When I live from Jesus within, I am free to do more than meets the eye. I can give, serve, and love without a need to broadcast it. The point is not to withhold public testimony. The point is to refuse the inner itch to be admired.
Lee’s reading also honors the saints who quietly meet needs. They build up the church and bless people without signatures or selfies. This is the family resemblance of the Father. He gives life, He sustains, He attends to sparrows and lilies, and most of it goes unnoticed by people. When we draw from the indwelling life of Jesus, we take on that same rhythm in our lives.
Thank You, Witness Lee, for reminding us that kingdom people live by the Father’s hidden life. It is not less spiritual because it is secret. It is often more pure, since it is anchored in union with Jesus rather than in admiration from others. This is the life of abiding, quiet and steady, bearing fruit that the Father sees and rewards.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, you belong to the Father who sees in secret. Do not measure your giving by what people notice. Your life is hidden with the Anointed One in God, and from that hidden place your works are prepared in advance. Do not practice righteousness to be seen. Serve with sincerity, not with eye service, as one who lives unto Me.
When you give, let love be genuine. Give cheerfully, for I supply seed to the sower. Remember the grace of Jesus, who became poor so that you might share His riches. Do nothing from selfish ambition. Consider others, and seek the glory of God in the ordinary. As you abide in Me, I work in you to will and to do what pleases the Father.
The left hand does not need a report from the right. What is done from union with Me is not lost. I see it. I reward openly in My time. Walk in quietness, in contentment, and in joy. Your Father knows what you need. Keep your heart in the secret place and I will express the life of Jesus through you for the blessing of many.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:1, Matthew 6:3-4, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:8, John 15:4-5, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 6:6-7, Philippians 2:3-4, Philippians 2:13, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:17, Hebrews 13:16.
Real-Life Analogy
After a family gathering, someone slips back into the kitchen and quietly loads the dishwasher. Plates are rinsed, counters are wiped, and the room is reset. By morning, no one remembers who stayed up late, yet the whole house benefits from a clean start. The work was simple, unseen, and good. Living the hidden life of the Father is like that. Real love gets the work done without calling attention to itself.
Today, if I see a need, I can step in quietly and trust the Lord to express His generosity through me. “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment as I give without needing to be noticed,” whether that means covering a bill without a name attached, sending a meal to a neighbor, or serving at home before anyone asks.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that my life is hidden with Jesus in You. You have already given me Your heart for quiet generosity. You see in secret and You are enough for every need. I rejoice that I can live from Your indwelling life, giving cheerfully, serving freely, and resting in Your open reward.