Our God who Sees

“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

I often open our GEMS girls’ club with “would you rather” questions. Last year we cycled through different super powers: Would you rather fly or have super strength? Would you rather read minds or be invisible? Many girls chose invisibility. The idea that they could take an extra piece of cake or sneak up on their sibling without being seen was exciting. But as adults invisibility doesn’t have the same draw. Sometimes we feel unseen. There are moments when it seems like no one can see the pain we are experiencing and we feel utterly alone. Perhaps, we even question if we are invisible to God. In Genesis 16 Hagar felt invisible but concluded that our Heavenly Father is “El Roi”, the God who sees.

Hagar is known for her connection to Abraham and Sarah. She was Sarah’s maidservant and the one they turned to when they thought they couldn’t have kids. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham so she could have a child in her place. But when Hagar became pregnant, their relationship quickly deteriorated. Things got so bad that Hagar fled out of hurt and fear. She finally stopped at a well and it is there that the angel of the Lord meets her.

Hagar is in the middle of the wilderness when the angel of the Lord speaks to her. He calls her by name and knows her situation. In a moment of despair, when she feels rejected and lost, the Lord sees her. He hears her plea for help and responds with love and grace. The angel of the Lord promises her that God will protect her, provide for her and bless her. He tells her that the baby she carries will be a son and she should name him Ishmael because God has heard her.

Hagar is so moved that she gives God a new name. In Genesis 16:13 it says “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.” The Lord of the universe met Hagar where she was because she was not invisible to him. The Lord saw her deepest anguish and didn’t turn away, but reminded her that she was not alone.

Just as God saw Hagar, he sees us. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that before we were even born, God saw us and had a plan for our lives. From our very first breath, he has seen our greatest joys and our lowest moments and he is with us for every one. When you feel alone because it seems like no one sees what you are going through or understands how you feel, remember that you are not invisible. Your Heavenly Father sees you. He looks at you with love and meets you right where you are.

So take a moment to reflect on your God who sees you. What encouragement can you draw from the story of Hagar? Who in your life needs to be reminded that they are seen by God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our God who sees us. You know everything about us and are always with us. When we feel alone or invisible may that truth bring us comfort. Give us eyes to see those around us the way you do, and show us how to walk alongside them in love. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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