Do you ever feel invisible? Think about it. Here’s what I mean by that. It isn’t that you want to be on display, receive applause, or even be the center of attention, but maybe simply to be noticed.
We all go through times when we want someone, we care about, to notice us. Maybe we don’t even recognize it as a need, but we are created for relationship – and being noticed is the first step. At least it seems like a first step to relationship is becoming visible by being noticed.
When I go through rough patches, I remember wise words from Isaiah. I would love to show you some of the highlighted verses on pages of my Bible that is marked up and practically worn out from emphasized reading.
Today, do you feel invisible? Do you want someone to notice you? Here’s an idea to try. Every blank line you see, say your name as you read.
______, when you pass through the waters I, God, will be with you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. (Are you listening to me, ________? I’ll go slow so you really get it! Listen! I’m telling you these things so you know that …) you ________ are precious and honored in my sight. Do not be afraid, I am with you. Isaiah 43:1-5
Then this in verse 18: Forget the former things ________; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing.
Sweet friend, all we can do with the past is learn from it. Sometimes when we feel like we don’t matter it’s because of something that happened yesterday or in the past. God is doing a new thing – but hanging onto past hurts, mistakes, and problems only shackles us to them. It might be as difficult as straining concrete but let go.
Remember that God knows our steps even before we take them. Nothing catches God by surprise. When I do dumb things, he never says, “Whoa, I didn’t see that one coming!” God is right there for me. He notices me and even with all my brokenness, He is able to help me blossom. And He will help you too. God is there to carry our burdens – if we let Him in to do it.
Every day is a battlefield and joy-defeating landmines are everywhere. The enemy of your soul wants you to be the victim not the victor. The enemy wants us to feel invisible, like God doesn’t notice you. The enemy does not want you to be victorious. Why is that? It’s because as long as you feel like you are invisible and don’t matter, you will be stuck, unable to move forward.
Could you remind yourself of this one thing? Just one for now. You are noticed. You are not invisible.
Know that before each step you take, God is in front scouting out the minefield. He says that over and over – I am the Lord your God and I want what’s best for you. Give me your life and even though it isn’t easy, it will be worth it. And to that, all I can say is “Thank you, awesome God, for being everything I need to get through this life, even the days when I feel invisible ad the last thing on my mind is joy.”
His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way. Isaiah 28:26
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:9
I’m participating in Five Minute Friday 31-days of writing. Today’s post brought to you by the word ‘Notice’. If you want to join us in the future, I encourage you to look us up at fiveminutefriday.com and follow Kate Motaung on Facebook and Instagram as well.
Thank you for sharing this Jane. What wonderful ‘go to’ promises from Isaiah! We know children, if they feel invisible, will go so far as to act out and get negative attention rather than no attention at all. Sometimes we adults are not all that different! Nothing more encouraging than knowing how much God does love us and care for us……Jesus at His right hand interceding for us! Thank you for a great reminder of that. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
I wish everyone had a sense of their own value. I have to remind myself over and over that God has left me here for a purpose even on days when I feel like I’m failing at everything. We have such great value to God that he pursues us and he doesn’t stop pursuing us. God bless your Christmas season with good memories that you want to keep forever.