by Desiree Bustamante

Even when I think you don’t.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

‘Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her.
She said, “You are the God who sees me.”’
Genesis 6:13 New Living Translation

Hagar was a servant to Sarai, Abraham’s wife. As Sarai was unable to have children, they followed a common practice of the time—Sarai offered her servant to Abraham. When Hagar became pregnant Sarai grew jealous and cast her out of their home.

An angel of God found Hagar hopeless, alone, and crying in the desert. The angel spoke to her, comforting her, and promising that her son would give her more descendants than she could count.

In response to how God sought her out in her hopelessness, Hagar gave a new name to God, El Roi, the Hebrew name meaning the God Who Sees. She was in awe of God’s love and mercy toward her.

Can you see the deer in this photo? One lone deer standing in the trees. Just like that deer, you may feel unknown, blending in to your surroundings. Or, like Hagar, maybe you feel hopeless and a little afraid of what might happen to you now, or dreading what could happen in the future.

“ O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.”
Psalm 139:1-3 New Living Translation

Just as Hagar discovered, God sees you. You are not hidden to Him like the deer in the woods. He knows exactly who you are, His creation and His child. Even if you don’t feel His presence, rest assured He is watching your every move, protecting you, and providing for you. He knows everything you do, because He is El-Roi, the God Who Sees.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado