O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. Psalm 139:12

 

In the YouTube video watched by 86,000 people, teens stepped up to the camera one by one, and all said the same thing: I want to be seen.

 

But it’s not just teens. The young adult, working tirelessly in his career, wants to hear his father express pride in his son. A wife juggling work, children, and managing a household wants to hear her husband say he sees and appreciates her. A volunteer giving long hours to a cause wants someone to stop and tell them what a difference they’ve made.

 

We crave and ache for the simple words that represent the most powerful truth: that we are valued. God gave us this desire because He made us for Himself and made us to live in rich relationships with others. These desires tie us to Him and others. Only through His perfect love can they be truly fulfilled.

 

As we acknowledge our desire to be seen, known, and loved, we can come to Jesus. When we do, we’ll find His eyes already fixed on us. We can bring every unfulfilled longing, loneliness, and pain, allowing His love to fill us. The Bible book of Psalms 139, says, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away” (vv.1-2).

 

Today, let the simple truth that God knows and loves you wash over the jagged, weary places in your mind. Picture His eyes on you. He sees you. And knowing you completely, loves you unconditionally.