El Roi: the God who sees
There is a deep-seated need in human beings to be seen and truly known. Being seen is not just about physical visibility. It’s about being understood, acknowledged, and validated at a deep level. People may express this need through phrases like “I feel invisible” or “Nobody really knows me”. But quite often they merely withdraw and keep quiet.
Sadly, when this need is unfulfilled it can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression and disconnection. We become convinced that we are the only one that’s feeling this way; that we are totally alone.
As believers, we are never alone because we serve a God who sees us. We can rest knowing God is always aware of what we are going through.
The God who sees in the Old Testament
There are many verses in the Old Testament about God seeing and knowing us. You might like to look them up. Here are a few references to get you started: Proverbs 15:3, Psalm 139:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 23:24, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 139:7-8
In Genesis we read about Hagar and her experience in the desert after running away from Sarah who has mistreated her. God sent an angel to encourage Hagar, and the passage continues: “Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’ She also said, ‘Have I truly seen the One who sees me?’” (Genesis 16:13).
El Roi saw Hagar, but He didn’t promise a quick fix to all her problems. He sees us, but He also sees the larger picture.
The God who sees in the New Testament
In the New Testament we see the emphasis is not only that God sees us, but on His care and attention to our lives. This is often connected to His love, protection and desire to reward faithfulness.
Read Luke 12:6-7 in The Message version
“What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.”
There are other powerful verses in the New Testament about God seeing us: Hebrews 4:13, Matthew 6:4, 6:6 and 6:18, 1 Peter 3:12
Being Seen
As mentioned earlier, we as believers know God sees us, even if we don’t feel it sometimes. However what about those we meet – our friends, family or colleagues – who don’t know God. How can we help them to feel seen?
• We can keep a watchful eye out and listen to what they are saying or not saying. Body language is often a key indicator of how people are feeling. It’s often what’s not being said that is the difficult thing to spot.
• We can provide a sense of belonging and connection.
• We can support them during difficult times.
• We can recognise and honour their unique gifts and the contributions they make in our lives or at work.
• We can support them and encourage them in all their endeavours.
• We can help them find the courage to be authentic and speak openly about their needs.
Jubilee Church aims to be a supportive and honouring family where we can receive this kind of validation. As believers we are not always immune to the lie that we are not seen or valued. But we are chosen and accepted by our God.
As the river of God’s mercy and grace flows out, we can be seen and see and encourage those who are in need.
Let It Begin
