One of the most powerful truths in the Bible is that God sees us. He knows every detail of our lives—every thought, every fear, and every desire. This reality should be a source of comfort, freedom, and fulfillment for us as believers. The theme of “God sees me” finds its climax in the Scriptures, especially in the faith stories of Abraham and the teachings of Jesus.
In this article, we will explore three essential aspects of understanding how to live fully with the awareness that God sees us: drawing closer to God, letting go of what holds us back, and embracing the freedom He offers us.
I. God sees us and calls us to come closer to Him
The story of Abraham in Hebrews 11:17-19 and Genesis 22:1-19 illustrates the depth of faith we are called to have in God. God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. This account is often viewed as an extreme act of faith, but it also contains a profound message about the nature of our relationship with God: He sees us, He knows us, and He desires us to approach Him in trust.
A faith that draws near to God
Abraham knew God intimately. He knew that God was able to raise the dead (Hebrews 11:19). This was not a blind or unthinking faith, but a faith based on a deep relationship with God. Abraham had seen God’s faithfulness in his life time and time again, from the initial call to leave his homeland to the miraculous birth of Isaac. This trust enabled him to draw near to God even in the most difficult trial of his life.
For us today, drawing near to God means coming to Him with our burdens, fears, and doubts, with the assurance that He sees us and cares for us. Jesus invites us to come to Him with confidence: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Practical Application: The Christian life begins with drawing near to God. It is not simply about following rules or checking religious boxes, but about cultivating a living relationship with our Creator. Every day we have the opportunity to come before God in prayer, committing our lives to Him, and receiving His peace and love in return. He sees us, and He desires us to draw near to Him in faith.
II. Letting go of what holds us back
One of the central lessons of the story of Abraham and Isaac is that true faith involves total surrender to God. Abraham was willing to give up everything, including his beloved son, because he knew that nothing he offered to God would truly be lost.
Surrender to gain in God
Hebrews 11:19 tells us that Abraham believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead. This shows absolute trust in God, a faith that transcended human understanding. For Abraham, nothing was impossible for God. This total surrender paved the way for an even greater blessing: not only was Isaac spared, but God renewed His promise to make Abraham’s descendants a great nation.
The New Testament also invites us to this radical abandonment. In Mark 10:17-23, a rich young man comes to Jesus asking him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers him: "Sell all that you have, give to the poor...and come, follow me." But the young man, attached to his possessions, leaves sad. He has not been able to abandon what was holding him back from the fullness that God wanted for him.
This passage teaches us that to live free and fulfilled in God, we must be willing to give up whatever holds us back. It could be our possessions, our ambitions, or even our relationships. Surrender to God is never a loss. In fact, it is a gain, because what we receive in return is far more valuable than anything we could sacrifice.
Practical Application: Let’s think about what in our lives keeps us from fully surrendering to God. Is it fear of losing something important? Is it attachment to material possessions or personal dreams? Jesus reminds us that those who lose their lives for Him will truly find them (John 12:25). Surrender to God opens the door to a life of fullness and freedom that nothing else can offer.
III. Embracing Freedom in God
God’s ultimate goal for us is to live free and fulfilled in His presence. Just as Abraham discovered God’s provision on Mount Moriah, we too can live in the freedom that only God can provide.
A free and fulfilling life
When we live in full awareness that God sees us, it changes everything. We no longer need to carry the weight of our fears and worries. We no longer have to worry about the future, because we know that God is with us, guiding us, and providing for our needs.
The story of Abraham and Isaac culminates with the revelation of God as Jehovah Jireh, “the Lord will provide.” This name of God is a promise that no matter what the circumstances, God sees our needs and provides according to His riches in glory. This revelation invites us to live confidently, to embrace the freedom God offers us, and to walk in His peace each day.
In John 7:7, Jesus explains that the world hates Him because He testifies that its works are evil. Yet Jesus continued to live in freedom to do His Father’s will. Likewise, we are called not to conform to the world’s expectations, but to embrace the life God offers us. Sometimes this means going against the grain, but it always leads to true freedom.
Practical Application: Living free and fulfilled in God means walking each day in the knowledge that God sees us, loves us, and has a plan for our lives. It involves trusting in His provision, rejecting fear and anxiety, and embracing the abundant life that Jesus offers us. Each morning we can remind ourselves of this truth: God sees me, and because He sees me, I can walk in freedom.