Seen, Known, and Loved: An Encouraging Word
“I have something for you!” My friend texted me excitedly. Since it wasn’t my birthday or a holiday, I knew it had to be something she found on her recent vacation that she couldn’t resist – something that made her think of me specifically.
Sure enough, it was a t-shirt with large flip-flops and the words “walk by faith” on it. She included a note: “You can walk by faith in your flip-flops!”
My friends know me well. I either wear flip-flops or heels. That’s it. I’ve worn flip-flops with a winter coat and mittens, and I’ve worn heels for a day walking around New York City. (Not recommended.)
The day I received my flip-flops and faith t-shirt, I felt truly known. And isn’t that what we all long for? Not to be known for what we do or our accomplishments, but to be known – quirks and all – and still be loved.
A.W. Tozer once said, “Jesus Christ knows the worst about you. Nonetheless, He is the one who loves you the most.”
If you long to be fully known – without the need for filters, pretenses, or lists of achievements – there’s good news for you. Your Heavenly Father is El Roi, the God who sees you. He sees and knows everything about you, yet loves you unconditionally.
El Roi sees your fears, your weaknesses, and your failures. He even knows if you wear flip-flops in the winter and heels in the city. He sees you completely and loves you immeasurably.
Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth:
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away… You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord… Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (see Psalm 139:1-6, NLT)
If the thought of His perfect knowledge makes you feel uneasy, let it bring you comfort instead:
1. God sees and loves us completely. His perfect knowledge frees us from hiding. While we may cover parts of ourselves from others out of fear of rejection, we can be fully honest with Him. There’s no need to pretend.
2. God sees what is best for us. Knowing everything about us, El Roi knows what we need in every situation. We can trust His guidance because nothing about our lives escapes His notice.
3. God sees our struggles and walks with us. Because He knows our circumstances and nothing surprises Him, we can find the peace, hope, and strength we need. If He is not shaken, we don’t need to be either.
What an amazing truth we learn through the name El Roi. As you consider how seen – and loved – you are, let your heart be filled with wonder and your mouth be filled with praise!
For a deeper study on El Roi, we invite you to listen to Karen Pulley’s recent teaching on this name of God by clicking here. You will be encouraged that God always has “a well of refreshment in the middle of your desert.” While you’re at it, why not follow along with us each week or better yet, join the study? It’s never too late! (Click here to join or listen to the study online, and click here to follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.)
With much love in Christ,
Cara Blondo