Does anyone hear me? I wondered as I spoke into the chaos of home. TV blaring, five people talking over each other and even the dog yipping, participating in the fray.
As the mom, I can easily stop most of that chaos with just a word, but in life, capturing others’ attention doesn’t happen as easily.
Others don’t see me.
Hear me.
Know me.
Maybe, they aren’t looking or listening.
Do you ever feel that way about God?
Especially when there’s commotion and confusion, it’s easy to feel unheard.
Unseen.
Unloved.
Hagar knew those feelings in Genesis 21. Sarah had convinced Abraham to “get rid of that slave woman.” Abraham sent Hagar and her son off with some food and water.
How awful Hagar must have felt!
Once her provisions were consumed, Hagar put her son under a bush in the desert, the only shelter she could find, and she herself sat down and cried.
What to do? No one hears me. No one sees me. There is no one.
But God.
God heard her. “And the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter Hagar? Do not be afraid, God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.’” (v17 NIV)
Then God opened her eyes to His provision and saved them.
God was with them.
When no one else was around and their plight seemed desperate, God heard.
He not only heard, He was compassionate and lovingly intervened.
God hears our cries, even when we think no one is listening. Even when it may not be an audible cry, but only a whisper of a heart cry; He hears.
He knows.
He is authoring our rescue.
That rescue may take the form of a change in circumstances. Or, it may simply be a change within you or me.
Whatever it is, we can rest assured that He does indeed hear.
Maybe like me, you need that reminder from time to time. Maybe, like me, you sometimes find fear wrapping a fist around your heart, squeezing the faith right out. But God told Hagar not to be afraid. His words are meant for us too: we shouldn’t be afraid.
He hears.
He knows.
He’s authoring the solution.
We need to trust Him. Easier said than done, right? He’s God. He’ll even help us with trusting Him too.
Let’s ask Him to remind us of His truths and to help us trust His promises.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You are indeed the God who hears. You hear and know and You’re already there, working it out. Please help me remember that I don’t need to be afraid. Please help me trust You and Your promises. Thank You for always working these details for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.