In James Cameron’s graphically stunning film Avatar, the human hero Jake Sully is rescued in a forest of the planet Pandora by a native female there named Neytiri. He learns many things from her, not the least interesting of which is how they say “I love you.” in their culture: “I see you.”
This I think is also a biblical image. Psalm 139 spends a lot of time reminding us of our Heavenly Father’s care, mostly in terms of how much he knows about us, has planned for us, and “sees”of us moment by moment. This is the great truth that Kerry Livgren was looking for when he wrote “Dust in the Wind.” He found this truth to when he met Jesus Christ.
There are many times when we wonder if God is really watching lovingly, like a parent, and guarding our lives. I think it natural that our longing to see God back grows as we mature in our spirits. We long for heaven, for Christ to come back and sometimes we call out to God about it all.
Oh God I long
to see you face to face.
Oh God, so strong
who made both land and space
My God, how long
till I feel your embrace
Oh God, my song is for you.
Do you still see me down here on earth?
Have you been counting the days since my birth?
Am I a vanishing mist on the wind?
Am I mere dust that forgets where it’s been?
Oh God, come near
and whisper aloud
Oh God, make clear
your Spirit’s around
God I revere
your passion abounding
Oh God my song is for you.
Relieve our pains and come to our aid.
You know our names at least that’s what you said.
Don’t leave us here apart from your grace
O God we long to behold your face.
