EL-ROI…

THE GOD WHO SEES ME.

There are many names for God, but the one that has always stood out to me is El-Roi which translates to “The God who sees me.” The meaning of that name is so profound that every time I hear it, I feel a gentle stirring in my chest and a deep sense of belonging. It comes from Genesis 16:13, when God gave Hagar some instructions, but that’s not the story for today

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A few weeks ago, I started watching The Chosen TV series, and there’s a scene that stayed with me. (Tiny spoiler ahead.)

It’s the moment Jesus first reveals Himself to Mary of Magdala, also known as Mary Magdalene. She had just stepped out of a pub, likely on her way to try to end her life again. Yes, that moment. Then He called her by name, her original name. She stopped and asked who He was, and He said:

“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

If you’ve watched it, you’ll know that Mary had been tormented by many demons and had ended up in a red-light district, searching for peace and satisfaction in all the wrong places. She was so broken and hopeless that she tried to take her own life. But Jesus came to her, even before it was time for Him to begin His public miracles. He didn’t come to put on a display or simply to perform a dramatic act of healing (though everything Jesus does is extraordinary). He came to let her know He saw her, and that she was His.

Watching that scene gave me goosebumps.

Not because I didn’t already know that Jesus sees me and cares for me, but because of a fresh realization of how deeply He loves me. How can He still see me when I do things that don’t seem worthy of His attention? How does He call my name when I’ve done things that don’t feel deserving of being known by Him? How can He call me His when my life hasn’t always reflected Him?

What kind of love is this?

How can someone love so completely that He remembers I exist, even when I constantly fall short? How does He remember my name when I’ve strayed so far?

All of this reveals just how intentional and how good Jesus is to us. It can be very hard to see His goodness when we’re going through difficult seasons. We may feel lost, alone, or forgotten. We may feel misunderstood, like people only see a version of us that isn’t real. Sometimes it feels like we’re performing for the world while silently falling apart, like our whole life is a facade.

But He is closer than you think, especially in moments when you feel emotionally exhausted and unseen.

In moments like these, it’s important to remember: Jesus sees you. He knew you before you were formed. He knows who you are right now, and He knows who you are becoming.

And still, He calls you by name.

I’d encourage you to read Isaiah 43:1–5. Maybe it will help you understand, even if just a little how deeply Jesus loves you and how truly He sees you.

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Hi everyone! Is it too late to say “Happy New Year”? Well… Happy New Year anyway, my people! It’s been so long, but I’m back now, and I’ve missed you all so much.

How have you all been? Just a quick reminder that I love you guys! mwah! 💕