Who is El Roi? Let’s find out as we continue our series, “THE NAMES OF GOD: Discovering Who He Is.”
This post comes from our weekly newsletter – Monday Morning Reset – where we Get Rooted in Christ through our Core 4 – 1 Lesson, 1 Scripture, 1 Affirmation & 1 Question.
📑 1 Lesson to Shape Our Mindset
The name El Roi means “The God Who Sees Me.” At first, that might sound comforting, maybe even obvious, like of course God sees us. But if we’re honest, there are seasons where that truth feels harder to believe. Especially when we feel overlooked, misunderstood, or quietly carrying things no one else seems to notice. Those are usually the moments when we start wondering, Does God really see me here?
Now this name comes from the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. Hagar was a servant in Abraham and Sarah’s household. When Sarah couldn’t have children, she made a painful decision and gave Hagar to Abraham so a child could be born through her. Once Hagar became pregnant, everything changed – tension grew, she was treated harshly, and eventually she ran away, alone, pregnant, and unsure of what would happen next.
It’s in that wilderness as she was scared, exhausted, and probably feeling disposable, that God met her. Not once she was safe, or when things were fixed, but right there. God spoke to her, called her by name, and acknowledged what she’s been through. And for someone who likely felt used and unseen, I could imagine that moment mattered deeply.
So Hagar gave God the name El Roi meaning “You are the God who sees me.” This doesn’t seem like polished theology; it was personal. She realized that even when people failed her and circumstances felt unfair, God never lost sight of her. She wasn’t invisible in the wilderness.
That matters for us, because many of us walk through our own versions of that place. We do unseen work. We carry emotional weight quietly. We show up faithfully in seasons we didn’t choose. But El Roi reminds us that God’s seeing isn’t distant or passive, rather, it’s attentive and personal, just like with Hagar. He knows where we are, how we got here, and how heavy it feels because He cares.
So as we move into this week, let’s name the places where we’ve felt unseen. And instead of pushing through or shutting down, let’s remind ourselves of this steady truth: God sees us here. Not later. Not once things improve. Right here, right now.
📖 1 Scripture to Ground Our Spirit
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 NIV
This verse reminds us that God doesn’t pull away when things feel heavy. His closeness often shows up most clearly in the places we wish we could escape.
💬 1 Affirmation to Speak Life
“I am seen by El Roi – fully known, deeply loved, and never overlooked.”
Repeat this today, especially in moments when you feel unnoticed, unappreciated, or tempted to question whether your effort matters. Let it anchor you back to the truth that God sees you completely and cares deeply.
❓1 Question to Reflect & Reset
I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
“What part of today’s reminder about El Roi stood out to you?”
Feel free to share in the comments or repl. Sometimes saying it out loud helps it sink in a little deeper. And for a quieter moment, take some time to journal with this question: “Where in my life have I been feeling unseen, and what would it look like to trust that God sees me there?”
As we close, let’s carry this with us into the week ahead: we don’t have to strive to be noticed or prove our worth. We are already seen, known, and deeply cared for by El Roi.
Next week, we’ll wrap up our series with the name Alpha and Omega – The Beginning and the End. Until then, I pray you have a blessed week and if you missed our last post on Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness, you can catch it here.
Let’s stay rooted in Christ my friend,
Founder of Rooted Living, LLC
On a Mission to help 1 million women live rooted in Christ
1 comment
Love how you remimnd us that we don't have to strive to be seen because God sees us right where we are. Thank you for that gem!