The God Who Sees Me

“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me – a foreigner?’” Ruth 2:10.

Imagine yourself in these circumstances. Your spouse has died and, in addition to your own grief, you have to watch your mother-in-law suffering at the loss of two sons, following the loss of your father-in-law. To add insult to injury, she is pushing you away physically and emotionally but you know you are committed to her. Your mother-in-law is foreign and you follow her back to her country, adopting the laws of her land. You go into a strange job with people you do not know and customs that you have never experienced. You are trying to remain anonymous in every way but the owner of the company, whom you have never met, approaches you with extravagant kindness such as Boaz did Ruth. I am sure we would all feel the same as Ruth did that afternoon. Her responses flowed in the same manner in which ours flow when we realize that God has responded with such extravagant kindness to us.

First and foremost, she reverently bowed facedown before Boaz, realizing that he was the master of the field. Secondly, she expressed her humility that she was unworthy to receive his favor. Lastly, she identified herself as a foreigner – one who had come to the field not belonging but who had come with hope. Does her spirit resonate in any of our hearts this morning?

I know for me personally I am experiencing a time of blessing from God. He continues to have me experience undeniable blessings in the whisper after the chaos of the past five years of family illnesses. Like Ruth, I look up at God and humbly accept with the same disbelief His on-going blessings and grace that I find myself receiving.

When we go through the dark seasons of life it is sometimes hard to see God, and we wonder if He sees our suffering. In the Bible, Hagar was so overwhelmed with God’s presence in her dark valley she actually named a well after Him. It was the place where she fell facedown in her agony, and where the God of the universe met with her with intense love. ‘She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi.” Gen.16:13-14. (* Beer Lahai Roi means well of the Living One who sees me.) If you do not feel that God is walking in your field be patient and keep focusing on His work. One day, when you aren't expecting it you will look up and there He will be. Through the Holy Spirit He will remind you of your worth and position in His field. He will bestow such love and acceptance upon you that you will never again feel like a stranger in His kingdom.

When we approach God with true reverence, complete humility and hopeful pursuit of Him, He will respond with the faithfulness and the love of a Savior.