Every Sunday I drive an overloaded car full of former street kids to church. While I try to navigate the crazy Kampala roads, the boys are constantly demanding my attention.
“Look over there, Auntie Rox!” one shouts, “That’s where we used to find scrap to sell.” “See those men?” adds another. “They beat me and stole my shoes!” “I used to sleep on that sidewalk,” a third boy shares. “The (Ugandan) President often comes down this road. I thought if he saw my condition, he would do something about it.”
The third boy’s longing to be seen—so that his circumstances might improve—struck me profoundly, reminding me of people throughout Scripture who believed that God’s awareness of their situation was mandatory for their deliverance. King David, for example, when his own son Absalom was trying to kill him, said to his advisor and servants, “Perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today” (2 Samuel 16:12).
Then there’s Hezekiah who, when the pressure mounted, pleaded, “Bend down, O Lord, and listen! Open Your eyes, O Lord, and see!” (Isaiah 37:17). Nehemiah cried out to God for mercy, exclaiming, “Look down and see me praying night and day for Your people Israel” (Nehemiah 1:6). And, Daniel, who found himself and the Israelites in yet another tight spot, lifted up a similar petition. “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open Your eyes and see our despair” (Daniel 9:18).
Even though David, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, and Daniel didn’t sense God’s eyes upon them, He was perfectly aware of their trials (Psalm 33:13-14). In His intentional and flawless timing, He brought them from tough situations to places of safety and rejoicing. Give Him your challenges today.
More:
I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place (Psalm 31:6-8).
Marye on June 1, 2010 at 4:44 am
I just found this site and love it! This portion today makes things a lot clearer! We / I need to be reminded that God is still in Control no matter my situation. I ask ‘why” way too much. Each day I’m learning to trust more and wait more on God, knowing He does see my challenges. Praise Him for His awesomeness!
davedon on June 1, 2010 at 6:07 am
Today’s devotional is just a reminder to us that even when we don’t see God at work or see Him doing something in response to prayer we can trust His nature and take Him at His word. He is “good”, He is “faithful” and He is “Love” and He has never broken a single promise to us.
Thats more than enough to merit our trust in Him even when we don’t understand His higher ways and purposes. Thank you Lord!
sereneinmountains on June 1, 2010 at 10:35 am
Hi, I have found so much comfort in reading the scriptures and today’s devotional especially. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing God’s will but I try to know and hope I’m doing it.
There are many things that have happened to me in the past year or so and I have no idea why such circumstances did, but very hard to deal with alone.
I’m sure there is a reason for them but it’s so hard to figure the why as one of the commenters noted.
I guess we don’t need to know why but in some ways, my human side wants to know so that it won’t happen again.
Just my thoughts today.
compassion1 on June 1, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Ireally love this sight and the insight that is given. I know that challenges will come. I know first hand what it feels like when you can not feel GOD’s presence. The devil would have you to think that HE isn’t there, you are all alone and on your own; but the devil is a liar, there’s NO TRUTH in him. Even when you feel like that, it’s only a feeling…GOD is always with and around HIS children. Whatever we may face in this life, WE WIN because of the Great and Awesome GOD we serve. JESUS spoke to the storm and the winds and the sea became calm in Matthew 8:26. We too are to speak to our storms using the WORD of GOD, trusting and knowing HE’s already working it out for our good and HIS glory.
agapegirl88 on June 1, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Thank-you for this today. My best friend/sister has been struggling with potentially taking her life and sometimes it is hard to feel that God sees my pain and anguish, in trying to help her overcome this. The verse in Psalm 31 that said ” You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul” helps me know His eyes are on me and my sister through it all.
Thanks for the encouraging word.
tom felten on June 1, 2010 at 2:43 pm
agapegirl, you and your sister will be in our prayers. Check out pages 26-29 of this helpful online booklet: http://www.rbc.org/bible-study/discovery-series/bookletDetail.aspx?id=48298
God is aware of your pain—and of your sister’s pain, too. Keep calling out to Him!
msumalabe on June 1, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Thank you for this message Roxanne. This is just the encouragement I need.
Thank you Lord for comforting me through this message.
roxanne robbins on June 1, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Though I wrote “third person” on this topic, I’ve personally been through difficult stretches in my faith, including a long struggle with depression. During that season, I doubted God’s love and presence. One day I’ll write more about my journey. In the interim, agapegirl, and all that commented, know that I prayed for you today – with confidence and thanks that God does see and He does care. Blessings!
javygirl178 on June 1, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Roxanne, I am going through a very difficult spiritual thing right now (doubting if I’m saved) and I dont know why, but I’m wondering if I even want God to deliver me from it ..I doubt His love and grace and goodness, even though the Bible says differently. It is a very depressing situation and I know that I NEED to be changed, but for some reason, I think I dont want to be…I have been praying that God would just change me anyway because I know I need it and praying that He’ll change me in spite of what I WANT.
Reading about your struggle with depression and doubting God’s love made me think of me. I just can’t see a way out. I can’t see that I’ll ever be able to see Him as the Bible says he is and won’t be able to believe Him and Who He says He is. I know this is satan lying to me but I just don’t know how to get past this. Anyway whoever reads this, please pray that God would change me and if I’m not saved, save me…and if I am saved, that I’ll find that assurance that I need…..in spite of what I want (or think I want).
I pray He’ll do what needs to be done to bring me to peace with Him even in spite of me.
agapegirl88 on June 2, 2010 at 9:41 am
Thank-you Roxanne for your prayers. Tom the booklet was helpful as well. This site is very encouraging and I will keep reading. May God bless you!