God Sees Your Secret Pain

By Bishop Joshua Annan · King's House Church, Meriden, CT

Some pain never makes it into words. We smile on Sunday, answer “I'm fine,” and carry the rest alone.

Hagar knew that feeling. In Genesis 16, she was used, mistreated and pushed out. She ran into the wilderness with nowhere to go and no one looking for her.

But someone was looking for her.

God found her in the wilderness

“And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness” (Genesis 16:7). Hagar didn't find God; God found Hagar. Before she prayed, He was already there.

God called her by name

He asked, “Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” (Genesis 16:8). God knew her name, her story and where she had come from. You are not a number to Him.

God gave her a new name for Him

Hagar answered with one of the most tender names for God in Scripture: “Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). In Hebrew, El Roi, the God who sees.

He knows the real you

David prayed the same truth: “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising” (Psalm 139:1–2). God knows what you've never told anyone, and He hasn't left.

When God sees hidden pain, He may bring comfort, correction, direction or a new opportunity. But He never looks away.

Your next step

If you're in a wilderness season, you don't have to explain everything to God. Just come.

• Watch the full message on our YouTube channel.
• Send us a private prayer request. Our team will pray for you.
• Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM, 410 Colony St, Meriden. Plan your visit.