A Minute of HopeVzorec

The names of God each unveil a facet of His heart as He reveals Himself to men and women throughout the Scriptures. Through these stories, He gives us a revelation of who He is. In Genesis 16, we are introduced to one of the most intimate names of God that I have held near to my heart over the years through the deepest valleys. A woman named Hagar, who was the servant of Abraham and Sarah, was cast into the wilderness after Sarah became angry with her because Hagar had been forced to conceive a child with Sarah’s husband, Abraham. Can you imagine what Hagar was feeling? Imagine feelings of shame, abandonment, betrayal, condemnation, and loss plagued her mind and soul. Yet in her hour of greatest despair, she was met with the angel of the Lord (many theologians believe this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus), and Genesis 16:13 tells us, “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’ ” (NIV). What is so beautiful about this passage is that the Hebrew word for seen describes that they looked at each other. It is quite clear that He saw her first based on her response, and she gave Him one of the most beautiful names that touched the depths of her heart. Since this woman was an Egyptian, a foreigner, she did not have a covenant with God. Yet He chose a woman He had no relationship with to reveal His heart to!

God sees you today. Whether you are in the deepest valley or on the highest mountain, Jesus longs to hear you. He longs for nearness with you, and He deeply cares about the cries of your heart. Just as Hagar was seen by God, as you pray these prayers, picture Jesus looking right back at you, listening to you, and let faith rise within you.

Prayer: When You Are Tired of Waiting

Jesus, teach me to wait on You, and let Your mercy renew me today...

Your love is all I will ever need. Lord, thank You for the seat You have prepared for me at Your table, where we will be together forever. I honor You, Jesus. Amen.