The God Who Sees

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of injustice, you know what it’s like when people in authority fail to see what’s happening. We’ve all known (or been) the small kid in elementary school that the village bully pounced on every time the teacher turned her back. Many of us have suffered from lazy coworkers who slack off and pile the work on the rest of the staff while the boss bumbles about in oblivion. And we all have that person we’ve tried to live at peace with, and they continue to be as mean as a three-headed monster. You’ve probably wondered at some point, “Does anyone see what’s happening here?”

If you’ve read the book of Genesis, you’ll remember the story of Abraham and Sarai’s struggles with infertility (if not, read Genesis 16) and how they pulled their maidservant, Hagar, into the dilemma. Hagar was a low-level Egyptian servant who hadn’t done anything wrong. She had zero authority and no power to advocate for herself—so when Sarai approached Hagar with the prospect of carrying Abraham’s firstborn child—there was nothing she could do to refuse. It put Hagar in a terrible predicament. Cruelly, just as soon as Sarai suggested the arrangement, she hated Hagar and intended to punish her. And yet, the Scriptures make it clear that God saw what had transpired and came to Hagar’s defense. In fact, it was Hagar who gave God the name “El-Roi”—the God who sees because God saw and acted on Hagar’s behalf (Gen. 16:3).

Why is it significant that God is “El-Roi,” the God who sees?

Because the Scriptures make it clear that God’s character doesn’t change (Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8). Just as God saw what transpired with Hagar—you can be confident that God sees what’s going on in your circumstances. God knows who is giving you a hard time. He sees the bullies and the slackers. God also notices when you are trying to do the right thing and why you are weary. God sees the big picture and knows the details better than you and I do.

You might be wondering, “So if God sees what’s going on, why doesn’t He intervene?” I don’t have an answer for that, and there’s been plenty of times I’ve asked the same question myself. It’s possible that He may be allowing a season of struggle in your life to grow your faith. Or, it might simply be the result of living in a fallen world. Remember, Jesus warned that we would have trouble (John 16:33). Or, it could be that God has a plan that He hasn’t revealed yet. Regardless, God sees what’s going on—He’s aware, and in due time He will act accordingly.

Until then, we press on. King David gives us a clue as how to proceed. David knew as well as anyone that God is “El-Roi.” And perhaps, that’s why he prayed;

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me;

fight against those who fight against me! (Psalm 35:1).

***Note, if you are a victim of domestic violence or any kind of physical, mental, or sexual abuse, please reach out to a trusted professional, friend, or family member for help. Please do not stay in a situation that is unsafe.

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