More Than Seen: The Better News of Being Known—and Indwelled

“I feel so seen.”
It’s a phrase I hear often. And I get it—it names something powerful. To be seen is to be acknowledged, understood, even honored. In a world marked by loneliness and disconnection, to be seen is a gift.

Language like this evolves to express our longings, and this one resonates deeply. Even in Christian contexts, I’ve heard people say things like, “I felt so seen by God”—often in response to a Spirit-led prayer, a timely encouragement, or a surprising moment of care.

There’s good in this. But the Bible offers us something even more profound than being seen.

Yes, God Sees Us

Scripture affirms that God sees.

Hagar, alone and afraid in the wilderness, encounters the Lord and names Him El Roi—“the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). The Psalms overflow with reminders that God watches over our steps, knows our thoughts, and discerns our paths (Psalm 139:1–3). Jesus, moved with compassion, sees the crowds and responds with care (Matthew 9:36).

To be seen by God is no small thing. It means you are not invisible. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.

But being seen is not the fullest expression of divine love.

It’s Better to Be Known

The New Testament draws an even deeper picture.

The Greek verb eidō is often used for “seeing,” but ginoskō—“to know”—is more relational, more personal. It implies understanding gained through relationship. This is not just intellectual awareness; it is covenantal intimacy.

Paul writes, “If anyone loves God, he is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:3). Elsewhere, he marvels: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Being known by God means you are not just observed—you are embraced. It’s not a glance; it’s a bond. In Christ, we are seen, yes, but we are also sought, loved, and secured.

Best of All: God Is In Us

And yet—even that is not the fullest picture.

The Spirit of God does not simply see from above or walk alongside us from a distance. He dwells within us.

In Romans 8:26–30, Paul paints the picture:

• The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us (v.26)
• God searches hearts and knows the mind of the Spirit (v.27)
• He works all things for the good of those who are called (v.28)
• And those He foreknew, He predestined, called, justified, and glorified (v.29–30)

We are not just known. We are indwelled.

Paul writes elsewhere, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). And again, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Yes, God is above us.
Yes, God goes before us.
But Christian, God is also within us.

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4

Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Being Seen

There’s nothing wrong with longing to be seen. But don’t stop there.

Let the deeper comfort of being known by God shape you. And let the greater power of being indwelled by the Spirit transform you.

It’s good to be seen.
It’s better to be known.
But it is best of all that God is in you.