The story of Hannah as told in the first few chapters of 1 Samuel is quite moving. And I find Hannah's prayer as recorded in the first 10 verses of chapter 2 quite thought provoking. Hannah has been tormented for years, wanting a child desperately and having Peninnah goad her about her barrenness. She promises God that if He will just give her a son, she will give Him to the Lord. She is given a son, and when he is weaned, she brings him to the temple to leave him with the high priest to be raised by him in service to God. The prayer I mentioned in chapter 2 is her prayer when she brings Samuel to stay with Eli. Can you imagine how she must have been feeling, knowing that when she returned home, it would be without the son she had prayed for so long?
I know if it had been me, I'd have had a hard time behaving as Hannah did. I'd probably have been really torn. Having made a promise to God, I would want to fulfill it, but could have found all sorts of reasons why it might not be a good idea to leave him with Eli. Just look how his OWN sons turned out! I'd likely be quite worried about leaving my son, and very sad about it at the very least. But that is not Hannah's attitude. She is clearly a "cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7), focusing not on her impending loss, but her immense gratitude for God's giving her a son. In her prayer, she says:
"My heart exults in the Lord. . . I rejoice in thy salvation" (I Sam 2:1, NASV)
and goes on to talk about how wonderful God is. And lest you think she was just one of those mothers who didn't care about her child, that thought is dispelled by the fact that she carefully made him clothes each year and brought them to him (I Sam 2:19). Remember this was before a time when one could just go out and purchase cloth and zip something up with an electric sewing machine!
For me, this story speaks to me on so many levels - especially about the power of prayer, and the importance of cheerfulness & joy - especially when giving gifts to God!
Father, once again I am reminded of how you encourage us to rejoice and give thanks in ALL THINGS. I am so grateful for your love and care for me! Thank you for this special time of rest and relaxation that you have provided, and thank you for the renewed energy to return to the work you have given me to do. May I do my work cheerfully as a gift to those I serve, and in gratitude to you for the many gifts you have given me - including these current tasks! (Eccl 3:13) Father, I love you!
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.