God Sees You

by Charleen Burghardt

Do you ever feel unseen?

Maybe no one understands what you are going through. This difficult place could be a pregnancy loss, a health crisis, or financial problems. It may also be a strained relationship or a trial. We want someone to listen to us with an empathetic ear or to acknowledge our aching heart. But others continue their lives while we are not ready to go on.

I felt unseen when I had a miscarriage. At first, the family showed up with a meal and listened. They were great. However, after a while, my family and friends went on with their lives. I needed someone to sit with me in my grief. I didn’t realize that grief would have such dips. Grief lasts longer than society says it should. I felt invisible in my grief.

feel alone

In the Desert of Grief, God Sees You

When we are in a place of loneliness because of a trial or grief, we crave to be noticed. We need someone to see us and listen to us. We want to tell our story and be understood. Our pain seems to be invisible to others.

When Grief or Trials Make You Feel Invisible

Psychologists tell us that human connection is a basic need. When we don’t have a human connection, we lack.

Another woman in history felt unseen. Hagar, a servant woman in the Old Testament, experienced isolation. Her master, Abram, and his wife, Sarai, mistreated her. Hagar was carrying Abram’s child, and jealousy arose in Sarai. As a foreigner and servant in Abram’s household, Hagar had no rights. In response to mistreatment, Hagar fled to the desert out of desperation, distress, and discouragement. She felt unnoticed and rejected.

We feel we are in a desert

Hagar fled in desperation

Nevertheless, an unexpected twist happens in this story. An angel of the Lord came to Hagar in the wilderness. The angel gave her direction and encouragement. Then the angel gave her a promise of God’s provision for her and the baby. Long before cell phones, email, and satellite, God found Hagar in the desert. She was never out of God’s sight. God noticed an Egyptian servant in her dire situation giving her comfort.

In Genesis 16:13, Hagar names God El Roi, “the God who sees me.” She said, “I have now found the One who sees me.”

El Roi: The God Who Sees Me

Although our situations may differ from Hagar’s, we can feel unnoticed during difficult times. Especially during a time of grief, we can feel isolated. We find ourselves in uncharted territory.

Sometimes, I think trials or grief resemble a barren desert, no one to walk with me through the wilderness. We question and doubt.

But God sees us.

What’s more, we are not alone.

As with Hagar in the desert long ago, God is present in our desert place of grief or trial. Hold on to God, who sees you. Listen for his voice and give your burden to Go

You Are Not Invisible to God

God sees

Prayers:

Dear God who sees,

Let me know you see me with what I am going through. It is lonely, and I need you to see me and listen to me. I pour out my heart to you in frustration, in fear, and worry. You know and see. Give me your assurance and peace. Encourage me, strengthen me, and offer me hope. Most of all, may I sense your presence in my lonely place. Thank you for being a god who sees.

Amen.

Grace Offers Hope,