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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Sometimes it just feels like I blend in. Do I really matter at all? If I am honest, this mantra can play out in every area of my life: work, home, ministry, parenting. You name it. I feel small, unseen. I know I am not alone, and much of this small and unseen feeling stems from forgetting our identity starts with El Roi—a God who sees me.
I am sure most of you have heard the terms omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. For now, let’s focus on omnipresent. This means God is present everywhere at the same time. In this big world he created, he sees me and you right now—in this moment. As we start this new year, let’s rest in this omnipresence of God. Pause for a moment and think about it. Maybe you are setting forth plans for this year or reminiscing on what was. Maybe you are feeling small and unseen. Maybe you are dealing with sin that is hidden. In each of these scenarios God is El Roi—a God who sees.
Just when you think you are alone, whether it is with a thought, feeling, or, well, sin, you realize you are always seen. You are seen in each moment, watched over in your rest. God sees.
Perhaps this is comforting to you, like it was to Hagar. In Genesis we learn Sarai gives Hagar to Abram to bear a child because she is barren. When she becomes pregnant, Sarai becomes cruel and Hagar departs, alone into the desert. God provides for her, and even speaks to her in this low moment!
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
I have felt put off, alone, wandering, and in need of provision. I can empathize with Hagar. She was doing what she was asked by someone she trusted. The result was not what she expected. She was alone—except she wasn’t.
Perhaps the thought of God seeing you causes fear. The path you are on has some unrepented sin he sees. There is not one moment you are not alone with God. The good news is this is the best time to talk to God!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Whether comfort or fear, take heart. El Roi—the God who sees—loves you and wants for your good.