21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2024: Day 5

Friday, January 19
DAY 5: GOD’S PRESENCE THAT SEES

READ
Genesis 16; Psalm 139

REFLECT
Have you ever felt rejected and alone? Then you know some of what Hagar may have felt. Because Sarah had grown impatient waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled, she decided to take matters in her own hands. She gave Hagar to Abraham, hoping Hagar would conceive. At first, Hagar must have felt special as she was specifically chosen to carry on Abraham’s line and bear his child. However, her feelings must have quickly deteriorated once Sarah began to despise and mistreat her. As a result, Hagar escaped to the wilderness where she experienced rejection and loneliness. However, this is exactly where God met her. Although she was a foreigner in a strange land, without family or support, God used an angel to meet her. This angel asked two questions that revealed God’s knowledge of her: where have you come from and where are you going? God saw Hagar exactly where she was. He was not going to allow her to remain rejected and alone. She had too much of a future, and God was going to do something great.

Many times when we feel rejected and alone, we cannot see our situation from God’s perspective. All we can see is the reality in front of us that stirs our emotions and causes us to believe the lie that God has forgotten us. However, nothing is further from the truth. God is very aware of where we are and what emotional state we are in. He wants to reveal His presence to us and ensure us He sees where we are. David also knew this truth and lived by it. The certainty of God’s presence that sees both comforted and guided him during his dark days.

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do

Inward: Who you are; How you live

Outward: Intercession for others

Today’s Prayer:
God, thank you for seeing me. You not only know where I am physically, but you also know where I am emotionally. Let this truth strengthen me and remind me I am never rejected or alone. Let this truth guide me when I don’t know what to do next. Let this truth give me courage when I am frightened. Thank you, God, for seeing me and meeting me right where I am.

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship

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