Sunday, April 3, 2011

God Hears

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

-- Genesis 16:13

Hagar was a servant. She belonged to Sarai through her husband Abram. God had promised Sarai and Abram a son but they couldn't see it happening so Sarai took matters into her own hands. She gave Hagar to Abram. I know. It wasn't all that unusual in those days but it sure sounds like rape to me.

But that's another issue. When Hagar did become pregnant, she despised Sarai, who in turn mistreated Hagar. Talk about a soap opera. It is so easy to focus on the couple who became Sarah and Abraham that we forget something really important. No one cared about Hagar, about what she felt and how the decisions other people made affected her. No one except God. He saw. He heard. He cared.

I find that so comforting. God hears when we speak. Even when others ignore our words and our wishes, when we feel alone and ignored. God sees us. He hears our anguished cries of frustration and despair. He never ignores us or turns away.

It is a lesson for all of us. Did you hear the words other people spoke to you today? Or were you too busy planning what you'd say or do to even listen? Were you ignored? Did anyone refuse to acknowledge your words or your presence?

I live in a world where people frequently ignore my words. Even when they hear, they act as though they didn't. I am supposed to go along, be seen only when needed and present a united front to the world. My frustration level is beyond high. Oh, how I hear Hagar when she speaks.

God hears our words, spoken or not. He feels our pain. He sees the truth. How about you? Are you one who is ignored? Or are you one who does the ignoring? Maybe you're both. Listen to the words of those around you. Open your eyes. Hear what other people are saying. You might be amazed at what you'll learn.