Five Reasons Why You May Feel OVERLOOKED
Over the years, I have counseled and coached many clients who say, I feel OVERLOOKED! I am sure that most people feel this way at some point in their lives. I want to share some nuggets that Holy Spirit gave me about this subject. Before we start, let's look at the definition of overlooked. According to the Merriam-Webster website, the definition of overlooked is, not seen, considered, or noticed. Some synonyms of overlooked are, ignore, neglect, disregard, pay no attention, not take into consideration, and passed over. These are some powerful words, right? Let's look at the top five reasons why we may feel this way.
1. Family Dynamics: Often times we feel overlooked by our family and loved ones. Immediately coming to mind was the story of Hagar and Ismael. Hagar was the slave of Sarai and Abraham. They became impatient waiting on God's promise and so Sarai insisted that Abraham impregnate Hagar. Sarai became envious and jealous of Hagar and treated her badly. Hagar had become so distraught that she ran away. In Genesis 16:8-10; 13-14, the Angel of the Lord visits Hagar to encourage her and promised her He would increase his descendants (the baby's), so much that they will be too numerous to count. I can only imagine how Hagar had felt. In Genesis, Chapter 21, God fulfilled his promise to her. So many times, due to family dynamics we can feel overlooked but rest assured God has a promise for you.
2. Disobedience: Oftentimes, we can be disobedient either intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes due to fear. Ask God to deliver you from fear and rejection. It's so important to be faithful in every season. In, Isaiah 1:19 if you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; Exodus 23:22 ESV “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.
3. God's Timing: God will hide us for a season but it’s for our good just like he did David who was in the fields tending to the sheep. He was overlooked by his family. Read 1 Samuel 16:10-12. God's timing is perfect and although we may become impatient in the waiting it is necessary because the Lord has a set time where he wants to raise you up. When God raises you up, will He find you working and being faithful over what He has given you?
4. Comparison: Maybe you are trying to fit in a mold and act and be like someone else. It's okay to admire people's journeys and be inspired but do not covet what God has for you. Comparison can you leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, jealous, and distracted. Read 2 Corinthians 10:12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
5. Preparation: When I think about preparation I think about Joseph. God had shown him a vision of his future and how his brothers would bow down to him. Joseph ran with excitement and shared it with his siblings, and they became jealous of him. They ended up selling him into slavery and for years, Joseph went through a preparation stage to prepare him to serve as King of not only Egypt but also his brothers. Joseph had matured, had been tested, and endured affliction from all sides. In the end, Joseph's dream came to pass. Read Genesis 37:12-36; Genesis Chapter 41
These are five points that the Holy Spirit gave me. To listen to this full short teaching listen HERE where I share more insight and share my testimony!
Shakeeta Torres LCSW, Speaker, Co-Author, CCTP, CGCS, Consultant, Coach Trainer
