The month of January Anchor Devotional was written by Jane C. Sveska. On January 13 she made note of one of my favorite names for God, El Roi, God who sees.

“God sees everything. He sees us throughout every minute of every day. If we did not know what a loving, patient God He is, this would be terrifying news to us!”

Anchor Devotional January 13, 2022

I have often used Hagar’s name for God in my prayers.

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

You are the God who sees. Yes! He sees everything! Even my slight momentary affliction. Even the desperate cries of someone caught in the throes of illness like my friend Mindy who is still trying to function after being in a coma for weeks. When I have trouble finding words for prayers, besides the Holy Spirit coming to my aid (Romans 8:26), I can pray “El Roi, do you see this? Do You see?” And I know that He does see and is moved with compassion.

Hagar was amazed that she was still alive after seeing the One who saw her. I am amazed that I can know this Holy Father who sees and is moved with compassion on my behalf and on behalf of others whom I pray for.

Anchor Devotional continues

“From Hagar’s story, (Genesis 16:7, 21:17) we know that God sees us, hears our cries of desperation, and speaks comfort to us through His written Word.”

Jane C. Sveska

Lord, do You see the people reading this blog? Of course, You see them. I pray You will bless them and help them to know You as the God Who Sees them and loves them. Amen.

“But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me,”
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before Me.”

Isaiah 49: 14-16 NIV