FROM OVERLOOKED TO VALUED

Have you ever felt overlooked, ignored or invisible to others? Chances are high you have. Feeling “overlooked” is an insidious emotion; whether it’s feeling ignored by someone in particular, or by people in general, feeling ignored is isolating. It can take a toll on self-esteem.

A 2014 study compared the psychological damage done in the workplace by bullying and exclusion. It found being ignored by co-workers was more harmful to people’s emotional wellness than being mistreated by them.

The LORD is not like people who tend to intentionally or unintentionally ignore others at times. God always sees us and invites us to connect with Him.

O LORD, …you know me…when I sit and when I rise; …you are familiar with all my ways. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! (Psalm 139:1-3, 16b-17a)

David was overlooked by his family. God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse because He had chosen one of Jesse’s sons to become King. Samuel invited Jesse and his sons to meet with him to offer sacrifice. Seeing the oldest Samuel thought, “this is the one.” But God said, not him. Jesse presented his next two sons. God said, not them. Jesse brought seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So, Samuel asked, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse said, there’s the youngest, “but he is keeping the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him.” Jesse had him brought in. The Lord said, “Anoint him…he is the one.” Samuel, “anointed him in the midst of his brothers.” (1Samuel 16:6-13)

Jesse overlooked David. But God saw and valued David. Even knowing David’s future frailty, God saw the great good that was there.

Some people are overlooked by everyone else but valued by God. The Lord promotes, rewards, and uplifts people differently than the people of this world do. God sees you. God cares about and values you. He’s always inviting you, knocking on your door.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me”. Rev 3:20

When have you felt overlooked?

When have you overlooked someone for a time only to discover later how valuable they are?