The One Who Watches Over Me | Northlands Church

The One Who Watches Over Me

December 09, 2015 | LauraBoal

The One Who Watches Over Me

by: LauraBoal

God is always watching over us!

As a result of this encounter, Hagar decided to give the Eternal One who had spoken to her a special name because He had seen her in her misery. Hagar: "I’m going to call You the God of Seeing because in this place I have seen the One who watches over me." Genesis 16:13 (The Voice translation)

Have you ever wondered, “Does God even notice what’s happening to me?” It can be tempting in hard times when life doesn’t come easily.

Hagar must have wondered something like that. Fleeing from a difficult situation, pregnant, and alone in the desert, she must have felt truly desperate. In the middle of her despair, though, the Lord comes to her. He gets right to the point: “Where have you come from, and where are you planning to go?”

Hagar is living her life looking backwards. She only knows what she’s running from. But God looks right into her heart and sees her deepest need. He gives her a purpose for her life, something worth running to. His love, compassion and acceptance of her are evident—you can see them in her reaction, because meeting God changes her.

Then God provides for her practical needs as well. He gives her an immediate plan so she won’t die of exposure in the desert, and He strengthens her so she can keep going.

Everyone who struggles with an orphan spirit understands Hagar’s feelings. We know what alone feels like. We know what it feels like to have no past and to expect no real future. Good theology can’t fix that. No fine sermon or devotional can bind up that kind of wound.

Still, The God who watches over us comes to our dry places. He looks beyond the mess we’ve made of things. He shows us our true identity and a glimpse of our destiny. Encountering His presence changes who we are, and in time that changes what we do.

So be assured: God is watching over you! His compassion covers you. He is inviting you into His presence right now. It doesn’t matter what’s in your past; He has a future for you and He’ll walk with you every step of the way. He knows you—and He invites you to truly know Him.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for promising that You will never leave me or forsake me. Please strengthen me now. Warm my heart with Your love, encourage me and show me Your purpose. Thank You that I’m not an orphan anymore because I belong to You!

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