The ironic thing about life, and getting older, is you cannot physically see as well as you used to, despite having gained wisdom, after “seeing” and experiencing a lot. But then again, my father in-law had laser eye surgery, when he was in his late seventies. I now wear a particular type of glasses (called Work Space), created for people whose occupation involves looking at a laptop all day. Nonetheless, there still is one thing none of us will ever be able to see: the future.
I cannot see if the folks I prayed for, who don’t know God, will one day come to Him. I cannot see if my diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) will worsen, even though I had a successful bypass surgery. I cannot see if a friend’s depression will ever lift. I am sure you can fill in the blank:
I cannot see _____________________________________________.
One of the names of God which is kind of hidden in the Bible is El Roi. It means, “the God who sees me.” A woman by the name of Hagar addressed God as El Roi, after He found her (via an angel) on the side of the road in the desert, as detailed in Genesis chapter 16. She ran away from a love triangle, after being mistreated by the wife (Sarai) of the man (Abram) she had slept with. The only purpose for their union was to have a child, as recommended by Sarai. Hagar had had enough. She left, but felt alone, with no foreseeable future. Desperate and tired, she also felt forgotten, but then came God. She praised Him by calling Him El Roi. He saw Hagar and felt her pain. That same God sees you and yours.
From Reaching For The Invisible God, Philip Yancey writes:
“God sees all our history at once, as a ball of yarn compared to the short, consecutive scraps of thread we experience.”
Paul offers some advice that is short, yet not sweet, but difficult, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT) A therapist asked me many years ago, during one of our sessions, “What are the options?” Life is hard, yet life is harder without God. There is no other option than to trust the One who made you. He really does see you and the issues you hold close to your chest.
If you believe that, and as a result, seek Him amidst your ongoing struggles, He will provide His peace and His presence. But you have to choose to seek Him. God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. Despite the fog, you may be walking through regarding your future, help along the way does not get any dearer or clearer or nearer than James’ words, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” (4:8a, NLT) Need an action plan? Peter said, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)
pictures courtesy of “Nelson & His Nikon”
Oh my word, what an experience !! I feel as though I have taken a trip to the gates of Heaven. The blank space you left after saying “I cannot see” is dramatic — it brings to mind how important our prayer time is and always has been. Thank you for the years of a ‘treasured friendship.’ God is Great and yes,” He sees.”
I am also reminded of these truths as I write them. We still need God no matter how old we are or how much we think we know!
Again, I’m blown away with your writings. This one is especially close to my heart as I struggle to have all the answers knowing good and well that I am nothing without HIM. God is so Good and thank you Nelson for reminding us just how much He sees!!
Hey Anita! I am the same way and it’s taken a long time for this ‘ol boy to learn that He sees this struggling fool!