Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” Genesis 16:13
A recent study conducted on the psychology of how social media affects our brain shows that when we receive positive feedback the reward center of our brain lights up. We respond this way because we have been seen and given approval. We like to be seen. This is true even when the feedback is negative. Every child acts out at one time or another in order to garner attention. Don’t believe me? Just ask your parents! The need to be seen is a universal hunger we all desire. It is one of the ways we are made in God’s image.
Perhaps you know right now that you are being seen - you have an active spot on the game roster; you have a girlfriend who smiles at you across the room; you receive communication from your family and friends back home. These are all ways we are seen. Nothing, however, compares to being seen by God! Fortunately for us this is a given. God always sees...all the time!
In the book of Genesis we are introduced to the “God who sees” (El Roi for you Hebrew enthusiasts!) from an unlikely source. Hagar was a slave - the lowest of the low. Pregnant by her master, Abraham, and abused by her jealous mistress Sarah, Hagar ran away. She cried out in misery. And she was met by the angel of the Lord (some think this may actually be a preincarnate Jesus). He tells her she is going to have more descendents than she can count (this was a big deal blessing!) and that she should return home. When Hagar realizes that she’s been seen she asks herself “Have I really been seen by the God who sees me?” It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is YES!!!! Hagar returns home because she has been encouraged and strengthened by an encounter with “the God who sees.”
God sees you. All. The. Time. If God can see the lowest of the low, humblest slave God can (and does) see you. He is with you every moment of every day. The Bible confirms this.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Jesus Matthew 28:20
No matter what activity you engage in this week, remember God is right there with you. He sees you!! He is supporting you and giving you His strength and courage. Ask Him to remind you of this. Keep Him present and active in your heart and your mind. Remind your teammates of this truth. There is no greater encouragement!!!!