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, NIV)
In the wilderness, Hagar encountered God in a way that forever changed her. She gave Him a name: El Roi, the God who sees. In her distress, rejection, and uncertainty, God met her with His love, not only seeing her pain but also offering her hope. Through Hagar’s story, we learn a profound truth: we are fully seen and deeply loved by God.
What Does El Roi Mean?
El Roi is a Hebrew name for God that means “The God Who Sees.” It is first mentioned in Genesis 16:13, where Hagar, an Egyptian servant of Sarai (later Sarah), uses this name to describe God after He appears to her in the wilderness. Hagar, fleeing from mistreatment, is met by an angel of the Lord who assures her of God’s care and promises about her future. Moved by this encounter, she declares, “You are the God who sees me,” recognizing God’s intimate awareness of her circumstances and His loving attention to her plight.
The name El Roi reflects God’s ability to see everything—our struggles, joys, and hidden parts of life—and assures us that we are never overlooked or forgotten. It emphasizes His omniscience (all-knowing nature) and His personal care for each individual.
The Lens of Love: God’s Perspective
As humans, our view of the world is limited. We see only fragments of life, often through lenses clouded by fear, pain, or confusion. Yet, God sees the whole picture. He sees the beginning and the end. He sees the intricate details that we overlook, as well as the grand tapestry He is weaving.
Imagine life as a photograph. In the hands of a photographer, the camera’s lens becomes a tool to focus on the details or step back and capture the broader scene. A telephoto lens allows for a close-up view, revealing textures and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, when we’re too focused on the close-up, we can lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s only when we adjust our perspective that we can see the full story.
Similarly, God’s view is like the ultimate panoramic lens. Where we see isolated moments, He sees the entire story unfolding—a story marked by His love, faithfulness, and redemptive plan.
Zooming In: When Life Feels Overwhelming
Life often forces us into a telephoto mode, zooming in on challenges, heartaches, and uncertainties. A financial crisis, a broken relationship, or an unanswered prayer can consume our focus, making the world feel small and overwhelming. Up close, problems can appear insurmountable.
But El Roi invites us to trust Him. Even when our view is narrow, His is not. He sees the details of our lives, not as isolated fragments, but as part of a much greater story. As Hagar discovered, God’s sight is not distant or impersonal. He sees with compassion, understanding the depths of our struggles and responding in love.
Stepping Back: Seeing the Big Picture
A friend of mine, a photographer, once told me that stepping back from the subject can transform a photograph. What seemed chaotic or insignificant up close becomes beautiful and meaningful when viewed from a broader perspective. Isn’t that how life feels when we surrender our limited view to God?
What looks like a mess in the moment often turns out to be part of His masterpiece. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” When we allow God to adjust our perspective, we begin to trust that He is working, even in the details we don’t understand.
Recalibrating Through Love
To see through the lens of love means constantly readjusting our focus to align with God’s view. When we’re tempted to zoom in on our fears or doubts, we can ask Him to help us step back and trust in His bigger picture. Through prayer, Scripture, and community, we can remind ourselves of His promises. El Roi sees it all—the struggles, the victories, the moments we’d rather forget—and He loves us through every single one.
God Sees You
Hagar’s declaration, “You are the God who sees me,” is not just her story; it’s ours. Whatever you are facing today, remember that El Roi sees you. He sees your heartache, your fears, your joys, and your dreams. He doesn’t just see the big picture; He sees you up close. And He loves you.
So, when life feels like a close-up of chaos, step back and rest in the truth that the God who sees has it all under control. Trust His perspective. Trust His love. And let Him guide you through the beautiful story He is writing with your life.
