Episode Summary: 

While Norman Rockwall paints pictures of the holiday season as times of cheerful family togetherness, many feel unseen, especially during the holidays. Maybe you’re walking through this season feeling like no one really sees you. Maybe you’re single and longing for companionship, grieving the loss of a loved one, or feeling disconnected even in a crowd. The holidays can be a stark reminder of what we feel is missing in our lives. We see others celebrating with their families, opening presents, and engaging in joyful traditions, while we may feel forgotten or left behind. But even when the world seems to overlook you, God never does. Join me as we into a topic that touches so many hearts, especially during the holiday season: Finding Hope and Purpose When You Feel Invisible.

 

Quotables from the episode:
Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. It’s about feeling unseen, unheard, or unimportant. And during the holidays, this feeling can be magnified. We see families gathering, couples exchanging gifts, and social media flooded with highlight reels of happy moments—but what if you feel left out of that joy?
There are many reasons why people feel overlooked during the holidays. Some have lost loved ones and feel their absence more acutely this time of year. Others may be estranged from family or struggling with difficult relationships. Some are facing financial hardship, making it hard to participate in the celebrations around them. Still, others feel overlooked in the workplace, in friendships, or even in ministry, wondering if what they do truly matters.
Friend, just like He saw Hagar, He sees you too. No situation is too small or too big to escape His loving gaze.
Maybe you feel invisible in your workplace, like your efforts go unnoticed. Maybe you feel unseen in your own family, where your needs seem to take a backseat to everyone else’s. Or maybe you’ve been crying out to God for an answer, and it feels like the heavens are silent. I want to assure you that God is not distant. He is near, and He sees every part of your heart.
The enemy wants us to believe we are forgotten, but that’s a lie. The truth? God has always had His eye on you.
God sees every detail of your life. He sees your silent tears and hears the prayers you can’t even put into words. He knows the longing in your heart and the dreams you’ve tucked away. You are not invisible to Him.
I have to wonder if perhaps Jesus felt the same way when He asked His closest disciples to stay awake with Him in the garden, and yet they slept. Yet in that place He poured out His heart to His Heavenly Father.
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s attentive love. Jesus noticed the outcasts—the woman at the well, the lepers, the woman with the issue of blood, the blind man begging on the roadside. He saw the ones society ignored, and He still does today.
When you feel unseen, remember this: Jesus stops for the one. He stops for you.
Even Jesus experienced feeling forsaken when He cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”(Matthew 27:46). But God had not abandoned Him, just as He will never abandon you.
Even in our darkest moments, God is working behind the scenes. He is near, even when we don’t feel it.

Anchor Yourself in God’s Word – Fill your mind with Scriptures that remind you of God’s deep love for you.
Shift Your Focus – When we focus on what we lack, we feel emptier. But when we focus on God’s presence and His promises, our hearts find peace. Start by playing uplifting praise and worship music, then consider starting a gratitude journal, writing down ways God has shown up in your life, comforted you, or helped you feel seen.
Reach Out – Sometimes, we isolate ourselves when we feel unseen. I encourage you to take a step—send a text, call a friend, or join a community where you can encourage others too.
Spend Time in His Presence – God is enough. Sit with Him. Talk to Him. Let Him fill the spaces where you feel unseen.
One of the beautiful ways we can reflect God’s love is by helping others feel seen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God comforts us so we can comfort others. When we encourage others, God blesses us as well.

Notice the unnoticed – Look for those who may feel left out and extend kindness to them.
Speak life – A simple encouragement can make someone’s day.
Be present – Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply being there for someone.
God sees us, and He invites us to see others the way He does.
My friend, if you feel invisible today, remember this: You are fully known and fully loved by the God who created the universe.
God is the God who sees you, and He loves you deeply. Hold onto hope.

 

Scripture References:
Genesis 16:13 Hagar called God, El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me.”
Psalm 139:1-3“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
Matthew 27:46 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”
Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.”
Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Proverbs 11:25 “Those who refresh others will be refreshed.”

 

Recommended Resources: 
Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories
YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms
Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference
Revive & Thrive Summit 2
Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1
Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2
Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian  Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.)
YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award
Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue

 

Social Media Links for Host:

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /   Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple

 

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: 
While Norman Rockwall paints pictures of the holiday season as times of cheerful family togetherness, many feel unseen, especially during the holidays. Maybe you&rsquo;re walking through this season feeling like no one really sees you. Maybe you&rsquo;re single and longing for companionship, grieving the loss of a loved one, or feeling disconnected even in a crowd. The holidays can be a stark reminder of what we feel is missing in our lives. We see others celebrating with their families, opening presents, and engaging in joyful traditions, while we may feel forgotten or left behind.&nbsp;But even when the world seems to overlook you, God never does. Join me as we into a topic that touches so many hearts, especially during the holiday season: Finding Hope and Purpose When You Feel Invisible.
&nbsp;
Quotables from the episode:
<ul>
<li>Loneliness isn&rsquo;t just about being physically alone. It&rsquo;s about feeling unseen, unheard, or unimportant. And during the holidays, this feeling can be magnified. We see families gathering, couples exchanging gifts, and social media flooded with highlight reels of happy moments&mdash;but what if you feel left out of that joy?</li>
<li>There are many reasons why people feel overlooked during the holidays. Some have lost loved ones and feel their absence more acutely this time of year. Others may be estranged from family or struggling with difficult relationships. Some are facing financial hardship, making it hard to participate in the celebrations around them. Still, others feel overlooked in the workplace, in friendships, or even in ministry, wondering if what they do truly matters.</li>
<li>Friend, just like He saw Hagar,&nbsp;He sees you too. No situation is too small or too big to escape His loving gaze.</li>
<li>Maybe you feel invisible in your workplace, like your efforts go unnoticed. Maybe you feel unseen in your own family, where your needs seem to take a backseat to everyone else&rsquo;s. Or maybe you&rsquo;ve been crying out to God for an answer, and it feels like the heavens are silent.&nbsp;I want to assure you that God is not distant. He is near, and He sees every part of your heart.</li>
<li>The enemy wants us to believe we are forgotten, but that&rsquo;s a lie. The truth? God has always had His eye on you.</li>
<li>God sees every detail of your life. He sees your silent tears and hears the prayers you can&rsquo;t even put into words. He knows the longing in your heart and the dreams you&rsquo;ve tucked away. You are not invisible to Him.</li>
<li>I have to wonder if perhaps Jesus felt the same way when He asked His closest disciples to stay awake with Him in the garden, and yet they slept. Yet in that place He poured out His heart to His Heavenly Father.</li>
<li>Throughout Scripture, we see God&rsquo;s attentive love.&nbsp;Jesus noticed the outcasts&mdash;the woman at the well, the lepers, the woman with the issue of blood, the blind man begging on the roadside. He saw the ones society ignored, and He still does today.</li>
<li>When you feel unseen, remember this:&nbsp;Jesus stops for the one. He stops for you.</li>
<li>Even Jesus experienced feeling forsaken when He cried out on the cross,&nbsp;&ldquo;My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?&rdquo;(Matthew 27:46). But God had not abandoned Him, just as He will never abandon you.</li>
<li>Even in our darkest moments,&nbsp;God is working behind the scenes. He is near, even when we don&rsquo;t feel it.
<ul>
<li>Anchor Yourself in God&rsquo;s Word&nbsp;&ndash; Fill your mind with Scriptures that remind you of God&rsquo;s deep love for you.</li>
<li>Shift Your Focus&nbsp;&ndash; When we focus on what we lack, we feel emptier. But when we focus on God&rsquo;s presence and His promises, our hearts find peace. Start by playing uplifting praise and worship music, then consider starting a gratitude journal, writing down ways God has shown up in your life, comforted you, or helped you feel seen.</li>
<li>Reach Out&nbsp;&ndash; Sometimes, we isolate ourselves when we feel unseen. I encourage you to take a step&mdash;send a text, call a friend, or join a community where you can encourage others too.</li>
<li>Spend Time in His Presence&nbsp;&ndash; God is enough. Sit with Him. Talk to Him. Let Him fill the spaces where you feel unseen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>One of the beautiful ways we can reflect God&rsquo;s love is by helping others feel seen.&nbsp;2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God comforts us so we can comfort others. When we encourage others, God blesses us as well.
<ul>
<li>Notice the unnoticed&nbsp;&ndash; Look for those who may feel left out and extend kindness to them.</li>
<li>Speak life&nbsp;&ndash; A simple encouragement can make someone&rsquo;s day.</li>
<li>Be present&nbsp;&ndash; Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply being there for someone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>God sees us, and He invites us to see others the way He does.</li>
<li>My friend, if you feel invisible today, remember this:&nbsp;You are fully known and fully loved by the God who created the universe.</li>
<li>God is the God who sees you, and He loves you deeply.&nbsp;Hold onto hope.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Scripture References:
<ul>
<li>Genesis 16:13 Hagar called God, El Roi, &ldquo;The God Who Sees Me.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Psalm 139:1-3 &ldquo;You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Matthew 27:46&nbsp;&ldquo;My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?&rdquo;</li>
<li>Isaiah 49:16 says, &ldquo;See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Zephaniah 3:17 tells us,&nbsp;&ldquo;The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Proverbs 11:25&nbsp;&ldquo;Those who refresh others will be refreshed.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Recommended Resources:&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3b4Tfsi"></a><a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/how-to-deal-with-hormonal-imbalances-that-affect-your-marriage/"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3b4Tfsi"></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3OpAZgQ">Sacred Scars: Resting in God&rsquo;s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted</a>&nbsp;by Dr. Michelle Bengtson</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3sCoqqm">The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms</a> by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories</li>
<li>YouVersion 5-Day Devotional&nbsp;<a href="http://bible.us/r/A57">Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3twWnXp">Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right</a> by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/31089-today-is-going-to-be-a-good-day">YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://my.bible.com/reading-plans/31151-today-is-going-to-be-another-good-day">YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://leanhealthyageless.com/revive-and-thrive-landing-mb/">Revive &amp; Thrive Women&rsquo;s Online Conference</a></li>
<li><a href="https://leanhealthyageless.com/fall-2020-revive-and-thrive-landing/">Revive &amp; Thrive Summit 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bit.ly/3mJPixb">Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bit.ly/3to2SJc">Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N">Breaking Anxiety&rsquo;s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises</a>&nbsp;by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian&nbsp; Writer&rsquo;s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award&rsquo;s Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/16633-breaking-anxietys-grip-by-michelle-bengtson">YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety&rsquo;s Grip</a></li>
<li><a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/">Breaking Anxiety&rsquo;s Grip Free Study Guide</a></li>
<li>Free PDF Resource: <a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com/fight-anxious-fearful-thoughts-download/">How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J">Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor&rsquo;s Personal Journey Through Depression</a>&nbsp;by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2yMdN46">Hope Prevails Bible Study</a>&nbsp;by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader&rsquo;s Choice Award</li>
<li>Free Webinar: <a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-tips-to-beat-the-blues-webinar-replay-sign-up/">Help for When You&rsquo;re Feeling Blue</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Social Media Links for Host:
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book <a href="https://amzn.to/3OpAZgQ">Sacred Scars</a> / Order Book <a href="https://amzn.to/3sCoqqm">The Hem of His Garment</a> / Order Book <a href="https://amzn.to/3twWnXp">Today is Going to be a Good Day</a> / Order Book &nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/2Vvipro">Breaking Anxiety&rsquo;s Grip</a>&nbsp;/ Order Book&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/2Vus9SJ">Hope Prevails</a>&nbsp; / &nbsp;<a href="https://www.drmichellebengtson.com/">Website</a>&nbsp; / &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/">Blog</a>&nbsp; /&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson">Facebook</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitter.com/DrMBengtson">Twitter</a>&nbsp;(@DrMBengtson) &nbsp;/&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;/&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson">Instagram</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails">Pinterest</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-hope-filled-perspective-dr-michelle-bengtson-podcast/id1468018011">Podcast on Apple</a>
&nbsp;
Hosted By:&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Your Hope-Filled Perspective draws on Dr. Michelle Bengtson’s almost 3 decades of clinical expertise as a neuropsychologist to help her listeners regain hope, renew their minds, and transform their lives. With a perfect balance of clinical expertise, compassion, and vulnerability, Dr. Bengtson and her guests purpose to share Biblically-based hope-filled perspectives for real-life issues, struggles, and concerns. Voted #2 in 2022's Podcast Magazine's Top 50 Moms in Podcasting.

Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Your Hope-Filled Perspective draws on Dr. Michelle Bengtson&rsquo;s almost 3 decades of clinical expertise as a neuropsychologist to help her listeners regain hope, renew their minds, and transform their lives. With a perfect balance of clinical expertise, compassion, and vulnerability, Dr. Bengtson and her guests purpose to share Biblically-based hope-filled perspectives for real-life issues, struggles, and concerns. Voted #2 in 2022's Podcast Magazine's Top 50 Moms in Podcasting.