El Roi: The God Who Sees Me 

Life feels heavy sometimes, doesn’t it? Disappointment, grief, betrayal—they press down on us, making it hard to take the next step. Some of the deepest wounds come from those we trust most. People we cherished and believed in can turn against us, creating false narratives that feel impossible to untangle. And yet, I know I’m not alone in this.

These past few weeks, my heart has carried much. They’re the kind of burdens I used to share with my mom. We’d pray together, and she always had a timely word from the Lord—a verse to meditate on, a prayer to lift me up. But she’s not here anymore, and oh, how I miss her.

She knew me well. She knew my husband well. She knew our hearts and loved us deeply. That kind of love is rare, and I don’t take it for granted. While the world looks at the exterior, God looks at the heart. “Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). He is always seeking hearts that are fully His: “For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

As I reflect on these truths, I’m reminded of conversations with two dear friends. One is miles away but remains close in heart. She poured out her pain over betrayal from those she trusted most. Another friend, over tea, shared her heartbreak—how people who should have stood by her instead tore her down behind her back. These are godly women, hardworking, kind, and full of love. Yet both were wronged by those they cherished.

Their stories brought back my own experiences. People I loved and trusted turned against me, twisting truths and creating false images of who I am. They acted in ways so cowardly they couldn’t even face me. It’s a helpless feeling. You want to shout the truth from the rooftops, but your hands are tied.

Here’s what I’ve learned: their actions don’t define me—or you. These behaviors only reflect their own hearts. Jesus said it best: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). If their words and actions are full of bitterness and deceit, it’s because their hearts are full of it.

As painful as it is, these experiences have taught me to love more truly. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Real love isn’t a show—it’s genuine, even when it costs us.

Grief and betrayal have also made me more intentional. This Christmas, every gift I wrap, every card I write, every phone call I make—even every new dad joke from my husband—fills me with joy because my heart isn’t tied to temporary things anymore. “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

If you’re walking through grief, betrayal, or disappointment, take comfort in this: God sees you. He knows your heart and your pain. He is El Roi, the God who sees (Genesis 16:13). He knows the truth of who you are, the injustice you’ve faced, and the sincerity of your faith. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Let this hurt refine you, teaching you to love more deeply and live more intentionally. People may fail us, but God never will. He weighs our hearts with perfect justice, not through the lens of public opinion or whispered lies. He is faithful to walk with us through the darkest valleys, strengthening us with His presence.

Friend, when life feels overwhelming, pour it out to Him. Write, pray, meditate on His Word. Let Him meet you in the stillness. He sees. He knows. And He loves you with an everlasting love.

Take heart and hold fast to this truth: our God is near to the brokenhearted. Even when the world seems against you, He is for you—and He is enough.