1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD….”
At the end of my prayer time this morning, the Lord laid Phil 4:4 so clearly on my heart, “Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This verse echos Hannah’s prayer as she leaves her firstborn, this child for which she prayed for so long, in her Father’s house: “My heart rejoices in the LORD….” Commentary on this verse says, “She could not rejoice in leaving her son, but she could rejoice in the LORD. In the most desperate situations, when we have nothing else to rejoice in, we can rejoice in the LORD.”
1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.
This commentary strikes a deep cord because I have lived it. In some of my darkest hours, I have turned to God to acknowledge, “I don’t understand what’s going on and I certainly don’t like it, but I know that You are sovereign. I know that You are love. I know that somehow You can use this for my good and Your glory. I trust You, Lord, even though I do not understand. I trust that You are here and in control.” I considered it a prayer of desperation, but in light of Hannah’s prayer, I can see the praise it contains.
1 Samuel 2:21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for being so clearly present with me as I struggle with the idea of loss. Thank You for bestowing on Your children “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). Help me, always, to rejoice in You. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.