Most all of us understand Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This foundational theory in psychology that explains human motivation as a progression, across 5 main tiers or levels, and representing different types of needs. From natural needs (thirst, etc.) to more base wants (such as for us to be a part of a whole). However this model may cause us to believe that we are the source of our own well (spring) of life, and be in pursuit of such things as self-actualization.
The body itself carries 5 senses we use to relate to the natural world setting. Seeing is a sensation we all desire to keep and improve (not that we all see physically for there are many who, being blind see things untold against the sight of others) across the spectrum of relationships we hold throughout life.
Practically speaking, seeing someone involves recognizing their presence and rejecting the idea of our avoiding them. Furthermore, being seen might make you more visible, which could open the door to a potential relationship. Consider, none of us likes to be overlooked at work, or home, or in a community even though we all get utilized in some way in all relationships. Still whenever we get rejected inside or out of a relationship, you and I instantly feel the pain of that severance.
A lesson can be learned from Hagar in Genesis 16, and then 21 in which we may learn some insight around specific needs, that are required to live well. You may already know the story concerning Abram and Sarai having received from God, the promise of a son. At a season they both were way past natural conception. This familial need to procreate would have to come about supernaturally.
Having a hand maid in ancient Near east times was necessary to many families, with servants that often get overlooked. However in this case, she would do. Her ability (procreate) could now play a role in the purpose of God. They looked to her as a well spring of life, (instead of God) she may also have felt that if she played her cards right, the well within could be an added feature to this family dynamic, and she could keep her place forever– except for the fact it excludes the supernatural capability. Which is God Himself.
After Ishmael is born, division sets in because the order of God is rejected. Her own rejection and being cast out, which happens in close, family relationships, (Gen. 21: 9-14) she’s driven with child (not of Promise, but of flesh) into the desert. A place of no means. While many lessons can be drawn from these characters, I’d like to just focus on her surroundings, or her new place; away from the tent of protection.
Fresh out of water (a well of living) and home, some of our basic needs, she faces crisis and finds this appointed space (type of Golgotha) to tell of her plight to the Angel, as impending death enters the new narrative. Lonely, anxious, afraid, desperate, etc. all gush out into the desert floor in a hopeless outpouring.
Picture perfect it seems for the God Who Sees. (‘El Roi’ Gen. 16:13) At one time she was quite full. With most all needs being met according to that chart of life. Now, darkness of gloom and despair overshadow her from the desert rays as the child cries out. “When things are following apart for us, they’re falling in place for God” said Kevin Myers.
Have you been in this similar position? The source of her (Hagar) living is dead. Her child almost dead. Her connected-ness to others dead. All natural means have died, all natural means unmet. Helpless, and hopeless. Does God see? Does God hear of her plight? She protected the child by pushing under shade while waiting on the imminent, yet where is her Shade?
She is weary, unrefreshed from the toil. Have you been there? Rest is but one of the many natural needs we all have, and when we don’t adequately rest, other sensations begin to falter. One of them is our ability to see.
To know, the God who sees, is also the God who hears. He heard the outcry. All these natural functions when pressed to their end (in the Cross), now become by faith, supernatural (of the Spirit) functions of the body (sensations). The God who hears, is also the God who calls. He calls unto her, she hearing His voice with a promise and a future concerning her son, now has her eyes opened to see nearby “a well of water”.
A well signifies a source of living. A new source. Old things have past away, behold (open your eyes) all things have become new. (2 Cor. 5:17) And with that, comes rest. Not just ability to physically rest, but now rest in the Son. (Isaiah 28:12) This is not passive but alive – to now relying on God’s strength and provision as she maintains duty (a keeping of the calling) of raising Ishmael.
One day soon we shall all find freedom from the hot and dry rays of trying to actualize, and rest for our wearied souls, with a flow of living water (John 4:14) I tell you that today, we can have the functions of seeing His grace, hearing his voice, resting in his Person, and enjoying a new source of a life and living. Thanks for reading.
