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

For Meditation

She was a slave girl who became a victim of her old mistress’ desperate maneuver for a child. Though Hagar began to enjoy the ride and became arrogant and rude when she became pregnant, she had not asked for the favor (Gen. 16:1-4).

Sarah blamed Abraham for how Hagar provoked her, and Abraham responded by condemning Hagar to the backlash of Sarah. You know the deal. It is never our fault, but the other person’s. So, Hagar ran away with an overstretched womb in a big-sized stomach, carrying the baby of old Abraham (5-6). But where could Hagar take refuge in the wilderness of a foreign land? How could she trust anybody again?

Hagar suffered in similar ways many housemaids do at the hands of their masters and mistresses. Many get raped and are used as sex objects by both spouses to satisfy their uncontrolled sensual appeals. Others are maltreated, beaten, and maimed. Yet, they silently suffer while losing their dignity and self-worth.

You may be in a similar situation now, your lowest moment in life. You are anxious and need a helping hand. In which direction do you go? To whom do you turn? Are you condemned to continue wandering in the wilderness, feeling alone?

Alone, but for God who sees our suffering and feels our desperate need for help! He met Hagar near a spring in the desert (7). Hagar had come under the protection of the covenant God made with Abraham, and under that cover, Hagar should raise the baby she was carrying.

Hagar did not argue. She was overwhelmed by the attention of God to her plight. She rejoiced that God knew her name, where she was, her pain and tears, and that He cared for her future (9-12).  So, Hagar gave this name, El Roi – The One who sees me (13).

God sees you, wherever you are, and in whatever condition you may be. Trust Him to meet you at the point of your need today. Amen!