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“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
Have you ever felt lonely, scared, angry, confused and hurt all at the same time? Ever felt like running away from a difficult situation? I have. There was a time, several years ago, when I wanted to run – hard and fast – from life as I knew it. I had just birthed three babies in three years. Then, to everybody’s surprise, my husband got a promotion that moved our young family across the country to a place where we knew no one. I had two babies in diapers and one ‘big boy’ struggling to say goodbye to his binky. There was always a diaper to change, a mouth to feed or a mess to clean up. My days were a blur and my emotions were overloaded.
In my mind, I knew I wasn’t alone – but in my heart, I felt like I was.
God knew exactly where I was.
He saw me.
El Roi was with me each step of the way. He answered prayers that had never even made it past my lips when he sent me a priceless new friend named Peg. She was a young mom, too. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together, watched each other’s children and supported one another. She was a true blessing in that desperate season of my life.
Hagar was a young Egyptian servant girl who also faced some big challenges. In the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 16, we hear of her plight…and of her flight. When faced with difficult circumstances, she didn’t stay – she ran away. And when she found herself seemingly alone in the desert, God sought her out and called her by name. Stunned that the God of the universe cared to comfort her, Hagar responded by giving God a new name…El Roi… “The One who sees me.”
Below is the lyric to a song that I co-wrote about Hagar…but it’s also about me…and it’s about you. Read the lyrics then have a listen.
The One Who Sees Me
By Gwen Smith and Brad Bailey
No matter where I am, Lord, You see me
No matter where I’ve been, You’ve been there too
And even in the times I feel abandoned and alone
You hold me like a child and draw me close to You
I lift my eyes to the One who sees me
No matter where I am
No matter where I am
I lift my soul to the One who lifts me
With a loving hand
With a loving hand
No matter where I am I’m turning to
The One who sees me
No matter what I say, Lord, You hear me
No matter where I go, You’re by my side
And even in the times I feel exhausted and unheard
You love me with Your words, passionate and kind
Even my darkest place is illuminated by Your grace
I’m so amazed
{LIKE THE SONG? You can download any of my songs from iTunes or Amazon! Woot!}
Lift your eyes to the One who sees you right now.
Dear Lord, there have been times when I have felt alone and abandoned. Thanks for reminding me that You are a God who will never allow me to be beyond Your sight or Your reach. Help me to face trials with a courage that is firmly routed in your strength and power so others might be drawn to You and know Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What can you learn from Hagar’s encounter with God in the desert?
Is there a difficulty in your life that you are tempted to run away from or ignore?
Are you willing to surrender your pain to El Roi?
So glad to do life with you, friend. Warm hugs.
GWEN
Comments 7
Dear Gwen,
I love the words of your song that you have shared on this page and would like to ask permission from you to use them in a program for our annual Retreat in March. Our theme for the day is ‘Women of the Bible- Our God who sees’
Dear Gwen,
Once again thank you for your Christian Love and for modeling Christ. I needed your message and your song today like I need water in the desert. You are a very gracious lady and I very glad you heeded God’s call on your life. I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family. You’re a blessing!
As many of my friends are posting first day of school pictures on FB today I think of those that feel pain or disappointment for a variety of reasons. Perhaps there is one who has longed for a child but that desire has not been filled or there may be one who is reminded of a first day of school that used to bring joy but no longer does because the child is now in heaven or is sick or the child struggles so much in school that the parents feel overwhelmed trying to advocate for the needs of their child. Our youngest graduated from school in 2014 and we have happy memories of the first day of school but God brought to my mind the fact that this day isn’t always a happy day. I believe God sees each of us and He knows us. I pray that no matter how you feel today if this is the first day of school where you live, you will remember that God sees you – whether this is a joy-filled day or one filled with sadness.
Now, dear Gwen…. how did you know I needed this today? May God bless you & your heart that you may continue sharing your gifts of love, caring, voice and soul with us. I feel reassured that surely Our Lord sees our family, especially our daughter right now in her time of need. God bless you Gwen! and thank you!!
I needed this today. Moved to a new city almost a year ago alone and it is still hard. My struggle with depression seems to get worse as the days go by. Thank you for being open and honest in your ministry. I read your daily devotions every morning.
God knew. And I just love that He did. Blessings and peace to you!
In Christ,
Gwen
I am right there with you, Octavia! I moved just over a year ago and some days are very lonely. I’ll keep you in my prayers, it is nice to know I’m not alone in my struggle.