1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
In the book of Genesis, after a painful and pivotal event, we find Hagar—an oppressed and outcast Egyptian maidservant—alone in the desert. In her isolation and despair, when she felt unloved and unseen, God heard her cry and met her right where she was. He spoke to her with compassion and purpose. Moved by God’s response, Hagar gave God the name El Roi, meaning “The God who sees me.” Even in her most vulnerable state, she realized that she was not invisible to God—she was fully seen, fully known, and still deeply valued.
The feelings Hagar experienced are not uncommon. Whatever our circumstances, at some level, everyone wants and needs to not only be seen, but known. Both Scripture and scientific research support this. Tim Keller put it well: “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved… is what we need more than anything.”
“O Lord, you have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” – Psalm 139:1 – 2
To be seen and known by God is not only possible, but it is fundamental to our identity. The desire to be known is not just natural – it is eternal.
When we read God’s word and meditate on Scriptures like Psalm 139, we see example after example of God’s nature in making Himself known to individuals, bespoke to them. Though if I am honest, I don’t always feel that way. It is then that I have to remind myself that His ways are higher than my ways. If I come with the same expectation or desire of being seen that I have of my family and friends, then I may miss what He has for me. When we only relate to being seen or cared for by people we know and love here in the natural, it’s easy to forget that their understanding of us — and our understanding of them — is limited by our earthly perspectives and capacities. But what if God’s way of seeing us is more than what our mortal selves are used to? What if that sunrise, or piece of art, or deer gracefully crossing the road in front of you was God saying, “Good morning!” Or “This is just for you, ___(insert your name)____ ”. What if that encouraging word from that friend, or stranger, was God saying, “I see you. I know you. You are not, by any means, forgotten.”
If the God who created the vast Heavens and the Earth also intricately created you, then He is the only one that could see and speak to you in such an intimate, specific way. When we draw near to him, he draws near to us. When we pause and open our hearts, minds, and lives to God, we better position ourselves to be seen and transformed by Him.
As you seek the Lord during the fast may you delight in the God who sees you.
Listening Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area in your life where you feel unseen by God, and possibly others. Take time to listen, linger in His presence, and respond as the Holy Spirit directs.
(Suggested meditative worship music to listen to during your listening prayer: “To Know Him” – William Augusto)
Prayer: Father God, I give my heart and attention to you. I desire to be in your presence and to know you fully, as I am fully known by you. Thank you for seeing and knowing me, even when I don’t feel it. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what you have specifically for me. I invite you to search me and know me. Remind my heart, mind, and spirit of moments and seasons of my life that I may have forgotten or missed when you called my name or revealed yourself to me in an intimate way. Thank you that you are the God who sees me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Resources: Bible verses on God Seeing and Knowing Us:
Isaiah 43:1
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Matthew 10:30-31
“But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Psalm 139
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Worship Songs:
“He Knows My Name” – Tommy Walker
“To Know Him” – William Augusto
Chorus from “God Who Sees Me” – Dylan Housewright (Unrecorded song)
Because of Your Love
I can lift my head and hold it high
There’s not shadow that will make me hard to find
You’re the God who sees me
Forever I
I will lift my hands and sing Your praise
Shout from the mountain how you save me
I delight in the God who sees me