Feeling unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? Genesis 16:13 reveals a powerful truth—God is El Roi, “the God who sees me”—reminding us that our deepest need to be known and valued is fully met in Him. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase recognition, validation, and visibility, Scripture redirects our focus to a God who already sees every detail of our lives.

Hagar’s story shows us that even in moments of isolation, pain, and injustice, God is present and attentive. He sees what others miss. He cares when others overlook. Instead of striving to be noticed by people who cannot truly fulfill us, we’re invited to rest in the steady, personal, and unchanging attention of our Creator. When we anchor our identity in being seen by God, we find lasting security, purpose, and peace.

Highlights
The desire to be seen and valued is part of being human
God reveals Himself as El Roi—the God who sees you personally
Hagar’s story shows God’s care in moments of isolation and pain
You don’t have to chase validation—God already sees and values you
God knows every detail of your life, down to the smallest things
True identity is found in being known by God, not others
Resting in God’s attention brings peace and security

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Full Transcript Below:

Seen by God

By Alexis A. Goring 

 

Bible Reading:
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” —Genesis 16:13 NLT

 

Recently, I read a news story headline that said 100 people gathered to be in a music video. They wanted to be seen. Especially here in the USA, there is a fascination with being an extra in a movie or becoming a professional actor and famous movie star. People often say they do this because they want to make an impact, be seen, be heard, be noticed, and be remembered. This made me think. 

 

Why do we rush to be seen by people on television, in music videos, at big events, and on social media? Perhaps it is because, deep inside, every human has a need to be seen. We want to know that we matter. We want to be acknowledged, recognized, and celebrated. This is a totally normal part of our human experience, but is it healthy if we’re chasing after fame more than seeking God?

While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen and remembered by the people in our world, I would like to encourage you with this timeless truth: You are seen by God. He is the Creator of the universe and all the galaxies. There is a popular inspirational quote that says: “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too.” God loves you. He knows you. He sees you.

In a world where we are challenged to prove that we matter, we need to remember our Creator loves us endlessly. We matter to Him. The Bible says God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). It also says God knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). This means God sees us as no one else can. He created humankind with deep care and attention to detail. The Bible says all the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7). If you have a lot of hair on your head, then you may see the significance of this statement on a deeper level.

God sees everything you go through during your life here on Earth, and He will intervene where needed, as He did for Hagar. She was the servant of Abraham and Sarah. They feared God but were childless well into what we would call their golden years. When God promised them that they would have a son, they didn’t believe Him because of their old age and the fact that Sarah was past her childbearing years. Therefore, after waiting on God for a while, Sarah became impatient and decided with her husband to take the matter into their own hands by making Hagar pregnant by Abraham. After Hagar knew she was with child, Sarah became jealous and mistreated Hagar. Hagar took her baby and ran into the wilderness to escape all the abuse. It was there while she wept alone in deep despair that God showed up and comforted Hagar. At the end of this divine encounter, Hagar called God “El Roi,” which means “The God Who Sees.”

The God who saw Hagar in her distress and despair sees us, too. Nothing we go through is unnoticed by Him. When we feel like we have no one else to turn to, we can turn to our Savior (Jesus Christ). The Bible says He will be with us unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) because He loves us.

Why clamor to shake hands with our favorite actors, celebrities, politicians, royalty, wealthy people, and influencers who cannot save us…when we have the full attention of the One who believes we are worth dying for (John 3:16)? 

The Bible says in Psalm 146:3-4 (NIV), “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” 

Only God can save us. And He will never die.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to seek God first if you have not already. Know that your value is priceless to Him. We don’t have to clamor to be close to Him, heard by Him, and seen by Him. He is already near us and sees us clearly. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see an overwhelming crowd of 8.3 billion people alive here on Earth. He sees each one of us as if we are the only person on this planet, and He gives us personalized attention with great care and compassion. He pays attention to detail. And as our Master Teacher, He differentiates instruction to meet each of our needs uniquely. 

While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen for the right reasons and make an impact on this world, I encourage you to always remember that you are already seen, cherished, and treasured by the Eternal King. And that truth is forever.

Listen to these two songs of reflection listed below to remind you how God sees you and loves you.

Song of Reflection #1: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe knows your name and sees your heart?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 43:1
Psalm 34:15
Psalm 139:1-3
Proverbs 15:3
1 Samuel 16:7

Feeling unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? Genesis 16:13 reveals a powerful truth&mdash;God is El Roi, &ldquo;the God who sees me&rdquo;&mdash;reminding us that our deepest need to be known and valued is fully met in Him. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase recognition, validation, and visibility, Scripture redirects our focus to a God who already sees every detail of our lives.
Hagar&rsquo;s story shows us that even in moments of isolation, pain, and injustice, God is present and attentive. He sees what others miss. He cares when others overlook. Instead of striving to be noticed by people who cannot truly fulfill us, we&rsquo;re invited to rest in the steady, personal, and unchanging attention of our Creator. When we anchor our identity in being seen by God, we find lasting security, purpose, and peace.
<hr data-start="808" data-end="811">
Highlights
<ul data-start="829" data-end="1282">
<li data-section-id="12xpskk" data-start="829" data-end="888">The desire to be seen and valued is part of being human</li>
<li data-section-id="ywuljy" data-start="889" data-end="956">God reveals Himself as El Roi&mdash;the God who sees you personally</li>
<li data-section-id="hzn3mz" data-start="957" data-end="1024">Hagar&rsquo;s story shows God&rsquo;s care in moments of isolation and pain</li>
<li data-section-id="1il72t7" data-start="1025" data-end="1095">You don&rsquo;t have to chase validation&mdash;God already sees and values you</li>
<li data-section-id="57em46" data-start="1096" data-end="1164">God knows every detail of your life, down to the smallest things</li>
<li data-section-id="1ss6yoe" data-start="1165" data-end="1225">True identity is found in being known by God, not others</li>
<li data-section-id="opisn7" data-start="1226" data-end="1282">Resting in God&rsquo;s attention brings peace and security</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Seen by God
By Alexis A. Goring&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Bible Reading: Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, &ldquo;You are the God who sees me.&rdquo; She also said, &ldquo;Have I truly seen the One who sees me?&rdquo; &mdash;Genesis 16:13 NLT
&nbsp;
Recently, I read a news story headline that said 100 people gathered to be in a music video. They wanted to be seen. Especially here in the USA, there is a fascination with being an extra in a movie or becoming a professional actor and famous movie star. People often say they do this because they want to make an impact, be seen, be heard, be noticed, and be remembered. This made me think.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Why do we rush to be seen by people on television, in music videos, at big events, and on social media? Perhaps it is because, deep inside, every human has a need to be seen. We want to know that we matter. We want to be acknowledged, recognized, and celebrated. This is a totally normal part of our human experience, but is it healthy if we&rsquo;re chasing after fame more than seeking God?
While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen and remembered by the people in our world, I would like to encourage you with this timeless truth: You are seen by God. He is the Creator of the universe and all the galaxies. There is a popular inspirational quote that says: &ldquo;How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too.&rdquo; God loves you. He knows you. He sees you.
In a world where we are challenged to prove that we matter, we need to remember our Creator loves us endlessly. We matter to Him. The Bible says God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). It also says God knit us together in our mother&rsquo;s womb (Psalm 139:13). This means God sees us as no one else can. He created humankind with deep care and attention to detail. The Bible says all the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7). If you have a lot of hair on your head, then you may see the significance of this statement on a deeper level.
God sees everything you go through during your life here on Earth, and He will intervene where needed, as He did for Hagar. She was the servant of Abraham and Sarah. They feared God but were childless well into what we would call their golden years. When God promised them that they would have a son, they didn&rsquo;t believe Him because of their old age and the fact that Sarah was past her childbearing years. Therefore, after waiting on God for a while, Sarah became impatient and decided with her husband to take the matter into their own hands by making Hagar pregnant by Abraham. After Hagar knew she was with child, Sarah became jealous and mistreated Hagar. Hagar took her baby and ran into the wilderness to escape all the abuse. It was there while she wept alone in deep despair that God showed up and comforted Hagar. At the end of this divine encounter, Hagar called God &ldquo;El Roi,&rdquo; which means &ldquo;The God Who Sees.&rdquo;
The God who saw Hagar in her distress and despair sees us, too. Nothing we go through is unnoticed by Him. When we feel like we have no one else to turn to, we can turn to our Savior (Jesus Christ). The Bible says He will be with us unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) because He loves us.
Why clamor to shake hands with our favorite actors, celebrities, politicians, royalty, wealthy people, and influencers who cannot save us&hellip;when we have the full attention of the One who believes we are worth dying for (John 3:16)?&nbsp;
The Bible says in Psalm 146:3-4 (NIV), &ldquo;Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Only God can save us. And He will never die.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to seek God first if you have not already. Know that your value is priceless to Him. We don&rsquo;t have to clamor to be close to Him, heard by Him, and seen by Him. He is already near us and sees us clearly. When God looks at us, He doesn&rsquo;t see an overwhelming crowd of 8.3 billion people alive here on Earth. He sees each one of us as if we are the only person on this planet, and He gives us personalized attention with great care and compassion. He pays attention to detail. And as our Master Teacher, He differentiates instruction to meet each of our needs uniquely.&nbsp;
While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen for the right reasons and make an impact on this world, I encourage you to always remember that you are already seen, cherished, and treasured by the Eternal King. And that truth is forever.
Listen to these two songs of reflection listed below to remind you how God sees you and loves you.
Song of Reflection #1: &ldquo;The God Who Sees&rdquo; by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it <a href="https://youtu.be/sz81dIfwf4Y?si=3JkkuYLCeEAMirLS">HERE</a>.&nbsp;
Song of Reflection #2: &ldquo;Every Single Tear&rdquo; by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it <a href="https://youtu.be/mxIjpkTcNvY?si=QxSRf0gc5ebeu37V">HERE</a>.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe knows your name and sees your heart?
Further Reading: Isaiah 43:1 Psalm 34:15 Psalm 139:1-3 Proverbs 15:3 1 Samuel 16:7

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Seen by God

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/9fad6cc7-485f-4de0-b606-b42500e2b279/transcript