Be Aware That God Is Aware

This morning I was reading the story of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush. The story unfolds in chapter 3 of Exodus. I was struck by a few key phrases from God in this passage. This is what God said:

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:7-8, ESV).

It is easy to miss the key statements within this dialog. Allow me to share an edited version.

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people…”
“I have heard their cry…”
“I know their sufferings…”
“I have come down to deliver them…”

What struck me was how God revealed elements of his character in this exchange. He is showing Moses that he is aware. He knew the trials that his people were going through. He heard them when they were crying. He knew they were suffering. Further, he had a plan to deliver them. I needed that today.

Later Moses conveys this message from God to the ones who were suffering. Their response was very interesting. This is what happened:

“When they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped” (Exodus 4:31, ESV).

When you and I become aware that God is aware, it brings us to a place of humility before God. We bow, and we worship. Notice that their circumstance did not change. That would come much later. No, the only thing that changed was that they were now aware that God was aware, and that changed everything.

What is it in your life today that feels overwhelming to you? Are you aware that God is aware? God has seen your trial. He heard you when you were crying. He knows your suffering. And he has a plan to deliver you to a much better place. That is encouraging news!

Today, be aware that God is aware.