Naming places. Putting our experiences on the map.
No ordinary map.
But one detailing journey and rest.
Marking a lifetime of walking with the Lord.
Jacob
Jacob names the place of his first encounter, Bethel–“House of God.”
And his exclamation describes our own. When we suddenly recognize that God is present and at work. In this very location and circumstance.
“Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it” (Genesis 28:16f).
Face of God
Later in his life, Jacob names another place. Peniel—“Face of God.”
In wrestling and struggle, he sees the True.
“For I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared” (Genesis 32:30).
From that time on, he limps. Ever reminded of this encounter where God met with him. And changed his name.
To Israel.
Hagar
Hagar. Sarai’s slave from Egypt. Pregnant with Abram’s son, she’s mistreated, abused. And flees into the wilderness.
To the place where she encounters the God of Abram. Hagar names Him, El-roi—“God Sees Me.” (Genesis 16:13-14)
And she bears witness to others. Because the place is named after her testimony. Beer Lahai Roi—“Well of the Living One who Sees Me.”
Naming places
Take time to consider your journey with the Lord. Naming places on the map of your life.
Remember locations marking vision and calling. Springs of mercy and wells of refreshing along the way.
Note paths in wilderness. Pain. Suffering.
All of these figure in the making of the map.
He is worthy
Celebrate encounters in His Word. By His Spirit. And with His people.
Affirming the beauty and truth of who He is. Declaring the mystery and faithfulness of His ways.
Surely the Lord is with us in this place.
And He is worthy of our praise.
What about you?
Have you traced the places on your map recently? Where have you seen who God is and what He does?
Related posts
God hears – The One who sees me – Unexpected altar – Place – Temporary place – Watch and pray – Bitter – Best-laid plans – Maps – Forgetful – Perspective – Follow Me – Temporary nest –
2 replies on “Naming places”
We sang “Who Am I” yesterday – the words “not because of who I am, because of what You’ve done – not because of what I’ve done, because of Who You are – You show me who I am – I am Yours”
I asked my small group if they considered WHOSE they were and reminded them that we are members of a Royal Family – citizens of heaven!
We often take our eyes from God and His beauty to focus on the brokenness around us. I want to be aware of “The Living One Who Sees Me” every day!
Amen. The One who is the never-ending well of living water, praise God!