Genesis 16:13, Day 31 March 23
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”
Drama trauma. Hagar appears to dislike Sarai. Sarai won’t have it, so she abuses Hagar. Fleeing Sarai’s mistreatment, Hagar stumbles upon an angel who promises Hagar that her son, like Abram’s and Sarai’s son, will form a great nation. God’s messenger tells this slave to emotion (as well as a slave to Sarai) that, through her bloodline, she’ll have many descendants.
Because God sees her when no one else does, Hagar declares, “You are the God who sees me.” Then she adds, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
El typically refers to God. El Roi means “The God who sees me.” In the original Hebrew, Ro’iy can be translated as shepherd. It also means seeing, looking, or gazing. This is one of the traits we want in God because the world is far too big and we are far too small. Sure, we can and may even want to hide, but ultimately we want to be seen.
TRY THIS: On that next bad day, you know the kind you never ever want to have because far too much is going far too wrong, remember as small as you feel (or as forgotten or as beaten as you seem to be) that the Lord still sees you.
PRAYER: Lord, see us. When we are so stuck and so ashamed, powerless, voiceless, distraught, victimized, or just down with our heads under the covers, see us. And then, as You do, see us through the situation. Please? Amen.