El Roi Meaning: Finding Peace and Gratitude in Life's Valleys
The Power of Tears and Release
Tears streaming down my face in the quiet stillness of the early morning, I felt a deep, overwhelming realization: El Roi sees me, and I am profoundly grateful for this life-changing gift.
For readers not familiar with the name El Roi, it is explained in Genesis16 (specifically verse 13). If you have not yet read this profoundly moving story about Hagar’s wilderness journey in Genesis 16–21, I strongly encourage you to check it out.
A happy update from my recent “All Cried Out” story: this morning, I was finally able to let it all out through a good, thorough, “flowing rivers” kind of cry. The dam has broken, and the water poured out… Some tears were due to work frustration and feeling overwhelmed by workload expectations.
Other tears came from feeling overwhelmed by gratitude for my life and my God.
A Sacred Collection
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8
From what I understand, some people don’t cry. I used to admire that trait and wish I could be more like that — but not anymore. Now, I am grateful for the cathartic release of tears and no longer take that gift for granted.
Walking with El Roi on the Trail
I have always daydreamed about living close to a trailhead — not a heavily trafficked one, but a secluded, remote path I could easily access anytime. My ideal workout is the kind where I can simply step out my front door and go, without needing to drive anywhere or double-check equipment.
El Roi is The God Who Sees Me because not only did He place us in a remote home surrounded by marked trailheads — and literally hundreds of wild burro trails — but God also continues to provide after our double income was cut in half, which was certainly not our plan with this new mortgage. Thank You Jehovah Jireh!
Did you know that the phrase “But God” precedes some of the most significant turning points throughout the Bible?
Scripture contains several profound passages featuring this pivotal phrase: Ephesians 2:4–5 on mercy and grace, Romans 5:8 on Christ dying for sinners, and Psalm 73:26 regarding God as our eternal strength. Other notable examples include Joseph’s reassurance in Genesis 50:20, Jesus’ statement on divine possibility in Matthew 19:26, the account of Noah in Genesis 8:1, and the resurrection in Acts 13:30.
Well before the sun came up this morning, God and I had a wonderful conversation about my fears while I admired His handiwork in the stars, walking slowly as I waited for my eyes to adjust to the trail’s darkness. The wildlife was quiet, save for the occasional hoot of a local owl and the chirping of early birds. Our local roadrunners make some fascinating sounds, too. Looking down at the distant city lights reminded me of this verse:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
I recognize the irony that I am up on the hill looking down at the lights below, rather than being in a city on a hill myself. Yet, I can easily picture those hilltop towns — like Santorini, Greece — shining in the night.
During our quiet walk, I felt my Higher Power gently replacing all my financial anxiety with the serene peace that surpasses all understanding.
Light in the Darkness
Much like a trust fall, The Word lights the way on these walks through literal darkness, offering truth and love to dispel the spiritual darkness of doubt, anxiety, and insecurity. When fear causes me to hold my breath, His promises coax me to let go and breathe deeply.
So I will be still and know that He is God. I will trust in Him rather than lean on my own understanding.
I am deeply grateful for the strength to have complete confidence in my refuge, my fortress, and my strong tower, knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Grateful for the generously provided fortitude to have complete confidence in my refuge, my fortress and strong tower in the knowledge that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Encouragement for Your Journey
If you find yourself in a season of quiet waiting, uncertain of what the next chapter holds, take heart in knowing that you are never walking alone. The same light that guides my steps along the morning trails shines brightly over your path too, offering comfort and clarity even when the answers aren’t immediately clear.
May we continue to lay down our worries, embrace the daily gifts of peace and catharsis, and rest fully in the steadfast promise that El Roi sees every tear, hears every prayer, and holds our future safely in His hands.
I used to sign off my videos and stories with “Happy Reading and Sweet Dreams,” but today I leave you with a few journal prompts to consider. My prayer for you is deep reading, meaningful writing, and quiet peace as you reflect on your own tears, release, and faith walks through this brief, precious life.
Reflective Journaling Questions
In what areas of your life right now do you need to pause and remind yourself that El Roi sees you and your present struggles?
How can you practice releasing your anxieties — whether through tears, prayer, or a walk in nature — and embrace God’s peace today?
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