She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13
During a season when I was feeling particularly invisible, the Lord prompted me to order an encouraging custom sign for a friend. I remember thinking, That is so sweet, Lord. Immediately followed by, I wish someone would get me a sign too. I felt kind of childish for even having that thought. It reminded me of the times when I’m doting on one of my children, and later find the other one feeling as if all of my love, care, and attention suddenly belonged to their sibling alone.
I’ve walked with the Lord long enough to know better, but sometimes I just have to remind myself of some basic truths:
- God’s love runs deeper and wider than I could ever fathom. (Ephesians 3:18)
- God doesn’t have favorites. (Romans 2:11)
- God’s blessings for another one of His children do not take away from any of the blessings He has planned for my life. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
- It is my privilege to partner with God to be a vessel of His love for others. (Ephesians 2:10)
After setting my mind straight, my perspective and attitude shifted. I became super excited about this little project, and I focused on finding someone to create a one-of-a-kind sign for my friend. Once it was done and delivered, I totally forgot that I even wanted a sign.
But God remembered.
He remembered not because He was disappointed that I felt a little jealous when He prompted me to give a sign to my friend, but because He takes note and cares about the deepest longings of His children’s hearts. He’s just that awesome, loving, and kind.
A few months later I was finishing a six-week leadership class through my church. In the last week, one of the participants surprised the rest of us with a special gift: a custom wooden sign.
My sign read “El Roi”, which was the title of the devotional I had written and presented to the class the previous week. It is one of God’s names in Hebrew and it means “the God who sees me”.
As she handed the rustic wooden sign to me she smiled and whispered, “Samantha, the Lord sees you.”
It was a tender yet powerful moment for everyone in the room. It appeared the Lord knew just what word each of us needed to have on our respective signs. I loved to be reminded that the Lord sees me, and that was all I focused on at the time.
However, later that evening the Lord reminded me, Samantha, I did not forget you wanted a custom sign too. I see you. (Insert ugly cry here!) There is no way to put into words what I felt at that moment. To say that I was overwhelmed by God’s love and tender care would be an understatement.
The God of the Universe sees me! That is a mind-baffling, unbelievable, get-out-of-town fact. But you know what is even better than that? When I see Him back. When we make eye contact, so to speak, and our eyes lock in the sweetness of a moment. You know, the moment when time seems to stand still, there is inexplicable joy, and nothing else matters.
Do you feel invisible at times? Do you ever feel like everyone else is seen and cared for but you?
Sweet sister, I would like to remind you today that the God of the Universe sees YOU too! He longs to connect with you and show you just how much He cares about you. I pray that the eyes of your heart are open to see God’s love and goodness in your life. I pray you see Him in the big things and in the little things. In the answers and in the waiting. In the laughter and the tears. In the sunshine and the rain. In the company of many or in loneliness. In every place and every season, He is the God who sees you.
Your turn!
- Where have you seen His unmistakable hand in your life lately?
- Journal about a time when you’ve locked eyes with your Heavenly Father.
- What was that experience like?
- How did it make you feel?
- Ask God to reveal Himself to you in a special way this week. Then wait in expectation for that special moment.
Photo Credit: Samantha Evans
