We have been born to dwell in a group, using the ups and downs collectively. Nobody likes to be ignored; even probably the most introverted individual residing off the grid, one sitting in sweats and studying a guide, wants human connection. When others fail to spot us, it will possibly emotionally deplete us. It could trigger us to withdraw and retreat, particularly after we really feel the offense is intentional.
Once I talked about how I used to be writing this text to my husband, he checked out me wide-eyed and requested if I felt ignored. “Do you’re feeling ignored by me?” he requested. My response, mixed with a typical southern lady’s imply mug, was, “No. It isn’t all the time about you.” We have been married seventeen years, y’all. What can I say? I went on to clarify that on a number of occasions in my life, I’ve felt unseen, ignored, or handed over in numerous relational areas. Some situations have appeared intentional, whereas others are simply a part of life.
The gorgeous factor about life’s trials is that they drive compassion deep into your blood. And though you’ll be able to by no means step within the footwear of another person’s difficult experiences, your coronary heart can bleed with them. You may embrace them warmly, sit with them, and hear. It provides you with a distinct perspective, an extra down-on-your-knees, humble degree.
Whether or not you might have been ignored in friendships, relationships, sports activities, careers, or particularly by the church, relax in the truth that you might be by no means ignored by Jesus. Buddy, I do know we aren’t sitting on the identical sofa, however, contemplate this my big teddy bear hug for you. I’ll not have the ability to see you, however, I do know the One who does, and I pray these bits of encouragement offer you restored hope.
1. God Sees You When No One Else Does
Among the many many names of God that describe His excellent character, I discover El Roi to be some of the most comforting. It means “The God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Whilst you might really feel invisible, know that God sees you. Hagar was the girl within the Bible who attributed this identity to God, and he or she is the one character within the Bible to call God. She was pregnant and alone in the wilderness, working from Sarah’s cruelty and jealousy when the angel of the Lord visited her (Genesis 16). Buddy, there isn’t any place on earth you’ll be able to ever run from God’s compassionate presence.
2. God Hears You When No One Else Does
I really like how the Bible makes use of completely different names to clarify the right concord of God’s character and provides that means to most biblical characters’ names. An article on Faith Gateway explains the importance of biblical characters’ names. “Many biblical accounts clarify the means of an individual’s identity, and people’s names have been important to who these people have been or who they have been to grow to be. In Jewish custom, a baby’s identity was revealed in the identical ceremony wherein they have been circumcised, an indication of the covenant.”
Persevering with the story of Hagar, the angel of the Lord says in Genesis 16:10 that the Lord will enhance her descendants a lot they are going to be too quite a few to depend on. “The angel of the Lord additionally mentioned to her: ‘You are actually pregnant, and you’ll give beginning to a son. You shall identify him, Ishmael, for the Lord, has heard of your distress'” (Genesis 16:11).
After we put the story along with the means of the characters’ names, it paints probably the most stunning image for these of us who’ve felt uncared for or abused. God takes this enslaved Egyptian, whose identity means “forsaken,” and provides her a large lineage via her son, Ishmael, whose identity means “God hears.” Sister, God sees you, hears you, and is aware of the variety of hairs in your head (Luke 12:7).
3. God Loves You At all times
My prayer journal incorporates a field that claims, “Lord train me to….” I usually ask the Lord to show me to like unconditionally. Some days it’s onerous to live without circumstances or judgments, particularly when harmed, however, I strive for my finest. I inevitably fail on occasions, however, I pray once more and begin over the subsequent day. We’re all a piece in progress, however, God is all the time identical (Hebrews 13:8). His love for us and our love for him is termed agape in Greek and is the best type of love.
Understanding that God by no means adjustments and God is love (1 John 4:7-8), we will concur that God will all the time love His kids although we do not deserve it. In any case, God despatched His sole Son to pay the worth for our sins as a result of He loves us a lot that He needs to spend eternity with us.
“For God so beloved the world that he gave his one and solely Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish however have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
4. God At all times Has an Excellent Function for You
Essentially the most notable story within the Bible of somebody who’s ignored is King David. As children, we hear the spotlight reels of David’s life—like when David defeated Goliath with solely a rock and a sling. However, earlier than changing into the king, David began as a younger shepherd boy. His dad, Jesse, did not bear in mind to name him to the line-up when Samuel got here to anoint David as king. Discuss ignored! But, God set aside this lowly shepherd boy for an excellent objective. Whereas we will not be destined for earthly royalty or fame, God hand-picked us to satisfy a singular position in His kingdom.
5. God Needs to Hear from You
I have been handed over for jobs and writing alternatives all through my life. I have been ignored by friends, boys, and the church. Once I was youthful, these occurrences would rip my coronary heart out. As I’ve matured, I’ve realized God usually opens and closes doorways as a result of He has one thing higher in retail or is defending me from hurt. Not saying it does not result in misery and discouragement anymore, however, I’ve grown to believe in His plan even after I do not perceive it (Proverbs 3:5-6).
On a few of these loneliest days and nights, God was the one I knew may hear and wished to listen to from me. And we might speak. Typically, He would reply with an amazing feeling of peace to get me via the subsequent day. Some prayers have gone unanswered nonetheless, and a few have been responded to a few years later. However, there’s a prayer He answered with a cellphone name proper after the “Amen” rolled off my tongue:
It was New 12 months’ Eve, and I used to be a sixteen-year-old who felt invisible to boys. Alone in my room, crying and depressed, I requested God to ship me, my soul mate. Two seconds later, the cellphone rang, and a boy I had been crushing on mentioned, “Howdy,” and invited me to a celebration. On that occasion, I met a brand new boy who made me neglect my crush who referred to me. We have been collectively twenty-three years this New 12 months’ Eve, and I by no means felt ignored by him.
Buddy, prayer just isn’t all the time answered instantaneously or as we want, however, His plans are solely in place to prosper you. So preserve speaking to the One who sees and hears you.
Picture Credit score: ©iStock/Getty Photos Plus/fizkes
Darcie Fuqua is an Enterprise Analyst, Auburn Grad (Battle Eagle!), Christian blogger & podcast host, and psychological well-being advocate. She is from the deep south of Alabama, the place she presently resides along with her husband, two energetic fun-loving boys, and a canine named Charlie. She loves sinking her toes within the sand, cuddling along with her boys, and having nice conversations over a desk of fine meals. You may learn extra about her writing on her website www.leightonlane.com and join her on Facebook and Instagram. Try Darcie’s newest challenge as cohost of Therapy in 10.
