Hi Friend,
Today, I’m calling on El Roi, the God Who sees me, and you. He sees you in your time of trouble and joy, and He always cares for you. But you already know this, my friend. Try to be patient when trouble comes and be doubly strong in the peace of His presence.
Try thinking about it like this – God seeing us is an extension of his love for us. This is powerful!
When this name of God came to be
Sarai was no longer patient. When God’s promise of children didn’t come soon enough for Sarai and Abram (their names at this time), Sarai hatched a plan to have a child through her servant, Hagar. She was tired of waiting. But as soon as Hagar became pregnant, the relationship between her and Sarai became contentious until eventually, in her rejection and distress, Hagar ran away into the desert. You can read all about it in Genesis 16:1-16 and 21:8-21.
It was Hagar, She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me [El Roi],” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
The desert, of all places, here is where God met Hagar and where she finally felt seen and understood. Then God sent her back to Sarai and Abram. And I believe that required great patience, which I’m sure God must have given to Hagar.
On the other hand, waiting for God’s divine timing is so much better. Sarai’s plan led to much distress for all concerned, even impacts us today.
More on being patient
Being patient is so hard, isn’t it? We want what we want when we want it!
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Ps 37:7a
I Am with you and all around you, encircling you in golden rays of light. I always behold you Face-to-face. Not one of your thoughts escapes My notice. Because I am infinite, I am able to love you as if you and I were the only ones in the universe. I Am perpetually with you, taking care of you. I am not limited by time or space; therefore, My Presence with you is a forever-promise. –Jesus Calling (September 29/30) by Sarah Young
Friend, I hope this encourages you today and every day.
Suzette
Click this link to find all the posts in the Names of God series.
This post is the first installment of the 31-Day Writing Challenge 2021.
Inspired by Tony Evans book, Praying Through The Names of God (2014, Harvest House Publishers)