Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons on Trusting the God Who Sees

God Sees You
A devotional by Patricia Russell

She said, “You are the God who sees me.”

She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”

So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means

“well of the Living One who sees me”). 

–Genesis 16:13-14 (NLT)

Do you remember playing “Peek-a-boo” with babies?

Cover your eyes with your hands and slowly move them aside, squealing, "Peek a boo! I see you." Usually, this causes a smile and squeal from the baby who is now ready to play.

It's an incredible feeling to be seen. You can be in a room full of people, looking dapper, and yet feel like no one sees you. We are all moving quickly through our day and our activity, although my days have somewhat changed to a different pace since 2020. Still, ongoing emails and text messages can have us not really taking the time to acknowledge people who really want you to play that game because they want to be seen.

When you see someone, you haven't seen for a long time, often our first words are, “How are you?” I have learned the importance of taking the time to stop and wait for a response. I firmly believe that if we don't have time to wait and listen for the response, we shouldn't ask the question. Why? Because you and I have an innate desire to be seen and heard. When we really take the time to acknowledge each other's presence, it is powerful. When we wait to hear the response to the question, we are telling the other person they are valued and important. It speaks volumes when we can wait and listen for their response.

Scripture helps us to understand the importance of this when we read about the struggle between Hagar and Sarai (later to be Sarah). Hagar was Sarai's servant. Sarai made a deal with Abram (later to be Abraham) to take her servant and sleep with her in order to conceive a child that in Sarai’s mind, would fulfill the promise God made. God had promised Sarai and Abram a child. However, they felt God was taking too long. So they chose to take matters into their own hands.

Moreover, when Hagar became pregnant, she was not seen with the same compassion and appreciation in Sarai's eyes who tormented Hagar. Not being able to take it anymore, Hagar eventually ran away. Can you imagine being pregnant, talked about, scorned, and criticized because your boss asked you to become a surrogate mother on her behalf? Hagar became tired. Tired of the change of attitude. She was tired of the rejection and change of heart from Sarai. She was emotionally crushed that she was now seen as an enemy. 

This is why I love the Bible—we’re able to see these are not stories or fables but real people with real feelings like us. During her pain, God's angel called out to her and called her by name. You're not a social security number or a billing code—you are someone of value. You want to be seen and heard. God looked down with love and compassion of God let Hagar know, "I am the God who sees."

God was saying (and I paraphrase), “I see you, Hagar! I see your pain. I hear your cries of distress. I see what's been done to you, and I am completely aware. I want you to know that I am the God who sees.”

God saw Hagar in all her pain and confusion, and He also wants you and I to know this very important truth: You are not forgotten. You may have been let go from your job. Your family and friends may have turned their back on you. Maybe no one has called and checked up on you but hear your Father's Heart today as I believe He is saying, “I am the God who sees. I see you.”

Let's Pray: Thank you, God, for reminding me that you see me, you hear me, and you know me. You know the number of hairs on my head. Remind me, Lord, when I get discouraged, that You hold me in the palm of Your Hand, and You are right beside me. Thank you again. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

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Editorial Note: Patricia’s devotional message today reminds me of the song, “The God Who Sees” performed by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her giftings as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com