Scripture: “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” ” Genesis 16:13
Reflection: El Roi is a Hebrew name for God, meaning “The God who sees me.” It appears in the Old Testament when Hagar, an Egyptian servant, flees into the wilderness and an angel of the Lord finds her. Hagar gives God this name out of recognition that He sees her suffering and has a plan for her. Hagar was mistreated so badly by her mistress Sarah and she fled into the wilderness out of despair. Many of us can relate to Hagar in this story, dealing with affliction and our mind overwhelmed with doubt. But God, reminds us that He sees us and hears us, no matter who we are, what we have done, or where we come from. If you feel like you are in the wilderness and wandering around, spiraling in your emotions; look up to The One who sees you. He will meet you in your wilderness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You today as El Roi, the God who sees me. Thank You for seeing me through my struggles and triumphs. Help me to remember that I am not hidden from Your eyes and that You care for me with steadfast love. Strengthen me for this day to obey Your word, and use me for Your glory. Lord, I also ask for the grace to see and love others the way the You see and love me, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.