Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 18 – 24; 1 Chronicles 12:1-22; Psalm 54

Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” – 1 Samuel 18:5-7

After David killed Goliath, Saul no longer saw David as a humble servant but as a threat to his own popularity and throne. David spent the next few years running from Saul’s anger and attempts to kill him, a time when he possibly wrote many of the Psalms that now help us when we face hard times. Saul daily hunted for David, but God heard David’s prayers and kept Saul from finding him.

DAVID FOUND PROTECTION IN THE LORD HIS GOD.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me.
My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 57:1-3

Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!
Defend me with your might.
Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea. – Psalm 54:1-2

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. – Psalm 34:17-18

For years Saul continued to chase David in an attempt to kill him. Time after time David was given the opportunity to retaliate and end Saul’s life but he refused. David saw value in Saul’s life by looking at him through the eyes of God instead of through his own victim eyes. He showed no signs of hatred or vengeance towards Saul but instead pleaded with the king time after time to see his heart — to see that he loved the king and would be loyal to him.

“Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king – he is the Lord’s anointed one.’” – 1 Samuel 24:10b

DAVID FOUND HIS VALUE IN THE LORD HIS GOD.

David’s men encouraged him to kill Saul, but David was looking to God for his reward, not for the praise of men. “The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord’s anointed one. Now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles” (1 Samuel 26:23-24).

It takes courage to trust in God when others are trying to harm us. It takes strength to hold back angry words. It takes character to walk away when we have opportunity to wound the one who has been hurting us. It takes integrity to value the life of someone who does not value life itself.

Lord, we thank you for your hand of protection over us. We pray for the courage, strength, character and integrity to handle difficult situations and toxic relationships in our lives. We pray for the truth to be evident and for you to be glorified in everything that we say and do today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 16-17; Psalm 59

The search for a new king began.. It was time to stop mourning the failures of Saul and move on. The Lord sent Samuel to Jesse, telling him that He had selected one of Jesse’s eight sons to be the next king. Taking one look at the oldest son, Samuel immediately thought Eliab would be the Lord’s anointed.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

One by one, Jesse’s sons stood before Samuel and, one by one, Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen” (16:8). Jesse finally sent for his youngest son who was out in the fields watching the sheep and goats. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.

And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:12b-13

OTHERS DEFINE US BY AGE, APPEARANCE OR OUR PAST

David had just been anointed king and, although God saw his heart, everyone around him continued to define him by his age, appearance and past. Instead of stepping into power, David became the harp player for King Saul. When told about David’s musical talent, Saul was also told that David was a brave warrior, a man of war, and had good judgment — that he was a fine-looking young man, and that the Lord was with him (16:18). But Saul only saw a servant who could meet his own needs.

So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. – 1 Samuel 16:21

Saul was not the only one who did not see David as a brave warrior and a man of war. When David arrived at the battle against the Philistines to deliver supplies, Eliab asked him, “What are you doing around here anyway? What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of?” (17:28)

As David was talking with his brothers, the Philistine warrior Goliath came out and began taunting the Israelite soldiers, just as he did every day. “Why are you all coming out to fight? I am the Philistine champion, but you are ONLY the servants of Saul…” (17:8b).

Hearing that the reward for killing Goliath was one of the king’s daughters for a wife and the exemption of the winner’s family from paying taxes, David volunteered to fight Goliath. Saul’s reaction was, “Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth” (1 Samuel 17: 28, 33).

DEFINING OURSELVES BY WHAT GOD IS CAPABLE OF

David could have announced to all of them in that moment that he was the new king of Israel —that he was God’s anointed one. But, instead of informing them of who he was, he pointed out to them who God is!

“I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats. When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD WHO RESCUED ME from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” — 1 Samuel 17:34-37a

Seeing the small shepherd boy coming his way, Goliath sneered in contempt saying, “Am I a dog that you come at me with a stick?…Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” (1 Samuel 18:43-44)

David confidently informed Goliath of his own future. “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (17:45-47).

It will help me to remember that no matter what I face today or tomorrow, THIS IS THE LORD’S BATTLE – NOT MINE. Titles are not important, but a humble servant heart is – a heart willing to do whatever God asks me to do today. And it is important that my head remain focused on who God is and not on who I am or on who others say I am. GOD DEFINES ME – no one else. Because when it comes right down to it…

IT IS NOT ABOUT WHO I AM, BUT ABOUT WHO HE IS.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.
In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies…

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:9-10, 16-17

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 13 – 15

Have you ever had a difficult decision to make? Perhaps you listed out the pros and cons of your decision, or wondered what someone you respect would do in the same situation. The tough question is whether or not you spent time asking God for direction and wisdom. In the next two chapters of 1 Samuel, there are three different scenarios of someone inquiring of the Lord, each different in the timing.

CHOOSING OUR OWN BATTLES

First, King Saul selected 3,000 special troops from the army of Israel and sent the rest of the men home. They defeated a garrison of Philistines, starting a fight they felt unprepared to finish.

The Philistines mustered a mighty army of 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore!…The men of Israel saw what a TIGHT SPOT they were in; and because they were HARD PRESSED by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns. Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were TREMBLING WITH FEAR. – 1 Samuel 13:5-7

When in a tight spot, when hard pressed by the enemy, God’s people chose fear instead of faith. They ran for safety, looking for places to hide. After seven days of waiting for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice to God, Saul panicked and offered the burnt offering himself – breaking the Lord’s command. His men were fleeing the battle and their fear was contagious, causing Saul to get impatient and move ahead of God.

MOVING AHEAD OF GOD

“The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!” – 1 Samuel 13:12

Have you ever found yourself part way into a decision or situation or simply into your day, and then realize you haven’t even asked God what He wants you to do or asked for His help? I can relate to Saul in this situation. There have been times when it has dawned on me that I am impatiently charging ahead without inquiring of the Lord. In this situation, Saul finds himself reacting out of panic and making a bad choice because he had not taken the time to involve God sooner. Been there, done that.

Then there is Saul’s son, Jonathan. His statement in 1 Samuel 14:6 describes a slightly different scenario: “PERHAPS the Lord will be us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”

CHARGING AHEAD WITH OUR OWN PLAN

Jonathan did not take the time to consult with Saul, Samuel or with the Lord. Instead he came up with his own plan and charged ahead! Jonathan’s attitude was one of – I’m going to do what I want to do and hopefully the Lord will bless it. Ouch! I’m afraid I have been guilty of this one too.

Fortunately God did choose to use the immature actions of the king’s son to confuse the Philistines and help the Israelite army of 600 men defeat the large Philistine army. God caused panic to break out in the Philistine camp, sending an earthquake to strike fear in the heart of the enemy. The vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction (14:16) – just like our enemies fade away when God fights our battles for us.

ASKING GOD FIRST

Lastly let’s look at a statement made by the priest Ahijah, Eli’s great-grandson: “Let’s ask God first” (14:36). Now this is more like it. Thankfully I can relate to this statement as well and this is where I want to start my day as I drink my morning coffee, going to God in prayer.

Saul and Jonathan were both doing a good thing. After all, they were putting their life at risk by leading the Israelite army in efforts to protect all of the people. They were prepared to fight to defend the freedom of their families. But in the words of Samuel in 15:22, “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

What I plan to do with my day today may be a GOOD thing or even a sacrificial thing but, if I have not consulted with God to see what He wants me to do today, then I may miss out on what is better — the opportunity to do a GOD thing!

Precious Father, before I get any farther into my day, I submit to your plan — to your sovereignty. Guide me down the paths you want me to walk today. Use me in whatever way you desire. I want to do more than just make sacrifices for what seems like a good purpose, I want every action to be in obedience and submission to your leading. God, nothing can hinder you. You can win a battle whether you have many warriors or only a few! Choose my battles for me and lead me into your will. Thank you for living in me and working through me today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8-12

GOD WILL GUIDE US THROUGH THE UNFAMILIAR.

God’s people were asking for something that was outside of His plan for them — they wanted a king like the other nations had. He warned them they would someday beg for relief from this king they were requesting, or rather demanding (8:18). But God, being a merciful God, heard the cries of his people and gave them what they were asking for.

We read a couple of days ago of how each year Samuel would have to discard of the comfortable coat he had finally grown into and replace it with the new bigger coat that his mother had brought him (2:19). We now meet a young man who is about to receive a “bigger coat” and his reaction might be similar to our reaction when God moves us into a situation that seems beyond what we can handle.

I guess you could say Samuel told Saul that he would receive a “bigger coat” (more like a kingly robe) and Saul’s reaction was one of humility and fear. He did what many of us have a history of doing when God tries to stretch us — he told God He had the wrong person.

“But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” – 1 Samuel 9:21

GOD WILL EQUIP US FOR THE CALL.

Just like He promises us, GOD EQUIPPED SAUL for what He was calling him to do. Saul was changed into a different person. Samuel encouraged Saul to do what must be done (the thing God was calling Saul to do) for God would be with him. God gave him a new heart to go with his new “coat” and everything God had promised would happen happened. Doesn’t that sound just like the wonderful God we serve!

As I drink my morning coffee, I know how God is stretching me right now. What is God calling you to that seems beyond what you are capable of? Are you nervous or scared or intimidated by God’s plan? So was Saul. When they went to crown Saul king, they found him hiding among the baggage (10:22).

Are you hiding?
Are you using the “baggage” in your life as an excuse to avoid what God is calling you to?
Are you allowing God to give you a new heart to go with your new “coat”?

Friend, please know that God is with you. The first situation that came up during his reign, “the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry” (11:7). Just one month after being placed in the position of King, Saul was finding his way and stepping into the leadership for which God was equipping him — just like HE WILL EQUIP YOU.

GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL SO DO NOT FEAR.

So let me do what Samuel did in his farewell speech to God’s people. Let me remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and for your family (12:7). Look back and see how faithful God has been time and time again. Consider Samuel’s words of reassurance to the Israelites:

“Don’t be afraid. You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him.” – 1 Samuel 12:20

God understands that you are not feeling worthy of His call. He knows you are uncomfortable. He also knows you have not lived a perfect life or maybe that you want things back to the way they used to be. But what God is asking is that you worship Him with ALL your heart. Don’t hold back or turn away from what He is asking you to do, but worship God by accepting His plan.

Step out from behind the baggage.
HE WILL EQUIP YOU.

“And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:23b-24

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 5–7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECOGNIZE GOD’S VOICE AND RESPOND IN SUBMISSIVE OBEDIENCE?

One night, Samuel was lying in bed and heard a voice call out, “Samuel!” He went in to check on Eli, but Eli had not called to him. Samuel returned to bed and heard the voice again. Rushing in to Eli, Samuel said, “Here I am. Did you call me?” The third time this happened, Eli gave Samuel very good advice: “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening’” (3:4-9).

Samuel had never heard the voice of God, but Eli knew how to recognize a moment when God is calling. When the voice called out as before, Samuel’s response to the voice of God was, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10

Samuel’s obedience resulted in the Lord continuing to speak to him, giving messages for Samuel to repeat to the people of Israel. They would, in turn, repeat the message and God’s message would spread to all the people of Israel because of Samuel’s obedience (3:21).

SAMUEL HAD A HEART THAT DESIRED TO OBEY AND GOD USED HIM IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

Samuel knew the purpose to which God had called him and his heart’s desire was to live out that purpose. He knew he had been given to God – he knew where he came from and Samuel knew to whom he now belonged. Because Samuel was obedient and willing to be used by God in the lives of others, the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth, and worshiped only the Lord (7:3-4).

Samuel prayed for God’s people and led them in confession and fasting. His humble servant attitude led the people of Israel to know that it was not Samuel who could save them, but the God to whom Samuel prayed.

“Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel…He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel and the Lord answered him. – 1 Samuel 7:8-9

Samuel was Israel’s judge for the remainder of his life (7:15). He served God faithfully and his leadership helped God’s people to return to Him.

Dear Jesus, I desire to have a servant heart as Samuel did. Give me ears to recognize your voice and courage to respond in submissive obedience. Lord, take away any fear or doubt I may have and replace it with the boldness to be your voice in the lives of others. Lord, this morning I pray for our nation. Help us to see our sins and turn to you in repentance. May we once again become a nation that trusts in God. We pray for the leadership of each state and our nation, that they would recognize your existence and bow to your authority. Amen.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:7-8

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, Psalm 29

Am I so relaxed that I have become lazy?
Has comfortable slowly turned into sloppy?
Have I become apathetic to the needs of others?
Do these blessings make me look fat?

There were some treacherous things going on at the place of worship where Samuel was now living. Eli’s sons had no respect for the Lord or for the sacrifices God’s people were coming to Shiloh to offer. They were even seducing the young women assisting at the Tabernacle. They knew what they were doing was wrong but they intentionally chose sin over obedience. Eli was aware of what his sons were doing and pleaded with them to stop sinning.

“I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons!” — 1 Sam. 2:23-24

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE RECOGNIZE GOD’S VOICE BUT FAIL TO OBEY?

Eli did not remove his sons from their place of honor even when they continued sinning so the Lord sent a message to Eli through a man of God: I have revealed myself to your ancestors, I chose your family for this ministry, I assigned you to something VERY holy. Why do you scorn all of this by giving your sons more honor than you give me? You and your sons have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel! (2:27-29). In essence, God was saying – they are sacrificing while you are indulging; with my blessings you have made yourself comfortable instead of making yourself useful.

Eli’s sons were sinning against God by what they did. Eli was sinning against God by what he did NOT do. All were disobedient and all were punished by God. God had placed Eli in leadership within the people of Israel and his failure to be the spiritual leader God had called him to be caused his death, the death of his two sons, the death of 30,000 Israelite soldiers and the capturing of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4).

Our sin and disobedience to God can destroy our lives and destroy those around us. God has a plan to use us in the lives of others but what happens when we choose our own ways instead of His? What happens when we disobey or delay our obedience rather than respond as Samuel did? What happens when we keep God’s blessings for ourselves instead of passing them on and using them as He directs?

Hannah knew the joy of giving God’s biggest blessing back to Him. God generously responded to Hannah’s prayers and she responded back with a generous heart toward God. God blessed Hannah for serving Him in this way. Eli had also been blessed by God but became comfortable in his leadership position, not taking action when he should have.

God, show me any disobedience in my life – disobedience by what I am doing or by what I am NOT doing. May I not get fat on your blessings but know that I am saved to serve, that I have been chosen by you for a role in the lives of others. Lord, use me and hear my prayers on the behalf of others as I plead for their salvation and healing. Forgive me and empty me out of anything that is me so that I may be filled with You and You only today. May I always know to whom I belong and may I always respond to your voice. Amen.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic. — Psalm 29:3–4

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 1:27 – 2:21

THE LORD HAS MADE ME STRONG.

“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord!
The Lord has made me strong, Now I have an answer for my enemies,
I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you; There is no Rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 1:27–2:2

Hannah prayed for a larger sacrifice and God answered her prayer. After giving her son to the Lord, Hannah was filled with joy as she worshipped God — a much different emotion for Hannah then the bitter anguish she was experiencing before God answered her prayer. After making what had to have been a difficult sacrifice for a mother, God faithfully gave her joy in place of her sacrifice. Her faith was strengthened and she knew the Lord, the Rock, was the source of her strength.

THE LORD GIVES US STRENGTH FOR WHATEVER SACRIFICE HE IS ASKING US TO MAKE.

…Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest. Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice. – 1 Sam. 2:18-19

In 2011, my dear friend, Dave Brown, gave me this passage of Scripture as we were grieving the loss of one ministry and preparing for the next. He pointed out that the coat Hannah brought Samuel each year must have been too big for him in order for him to be able to grow into it by the end of the year. As soon as the coat fit, she’d give him a new one.

Sometimes God gives us a new coat, a bigger coat. The price of our faithfulness to what God has given us is that sometimes He takes that away and gives us something new that requires that same faithfulness. He moves us out of our comfortable, broken-in coat into a new “bigger coat.”

In 2012, our family again experienced the mixed emotions of having a comfortable coat removed as God placed on our shoulders a new coat — a coat that has taken some time to get used to and that still requires some “growing into.” Perhaps God is trying to place a new coat on you as well, one you are resistant or uncomfortable in. Like Hannah, we can rejoice with confidence that we serve a holy God who is strong like a Rock and gives us strength for whatever sacrifice He is asking us to make.

Before they returned home, Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord give you other children to take the place of this one she gave to the Lord.” And the Lord gave Hannah three sons and three daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. – 1 Samuel 2:20-21

THE LORD CAN DRASTICALLY CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

Hannah’s circumstances were radically reversed as God blessed her generously. She sang of how her Creator is able to drastically change someone’s circumstances:

“…The bow of the mighty is now broken, and those who stumbled are now strong.
Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full.
The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away.
The Lord gives both death and life; he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.
The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order…” – 1 Samuel 2:4-8

Hannah sang of God’s protection over his faithful ones and that NO ONE SUCCEEDS BY THEIR OWN STRENGTH ALONE. God empowers his king and increases the strength of his anointed one (2:9-10). What a great reminder this morning as I drink my morning coffee. While God saw the heart of Hannah, Hannah saw the strength of God.

There are times when we may not feel strong enough for the new coat God has placed on our shoulders, but perhaps it is in these weakest moments that we begin looking up and reaching out. God’s hands of mercy cover us and HE IS STRENGTH ENOUGH for both of us. We don’t have to be “strong enough” – we need to give up and let God be strong enough.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

I love the chorus of the song “Strong Enough” by Matthew West: I know I’m not strong enough to be everything that / I’m supposed to be. I give up, I’m not strong enough. / Hands of mercy won’t you cover me. / Lord, right now I’m asking you to be strong enough, strong enough, for both of us.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 1, Psalm 67

When Naomi found herself without her sons and without grandchildren, she felt sorry for herself and blamed God for the pain life had dealt her. Where is Naomi’s prayer life? Did she call on God? Even after Ruth gave birth to Obed, we hear the women in Bethlehem praising God but the author leaves out Naomi’s praise. We know she found great joy in caring for her grandson but did she spend as much time thanking God as she had blaming God and taking pity on herself?

Hannah was just as grief stricken to be without children as Naomi was to have lost hers. But what we see in Hannah’s story is a woman who prayed to God and her prayers were answered. Her story teaches us how to pray and reveals the heart behind her prayers.

GOD SAW HANNAH’S HEART

Hannah was barren and wanted to have a baby so she prayed to God. Scripture says Hannah prayed “out of great anguish and sorrow” (1 Samuel 1:16). I’ve read this story many times and have always been able to relate to Hannah’s heart because of my own struggle with infertility before I was healed. But one day, while again reading through this first chapter of 1 Samuel, God graciously showed me something different in Hannah’s story.

I used to think Hannah wanted a child so that she could have a child. That makes sense to me. But then she gives him back to the Lord and is again without a child – a part of the story that has always confused me. Hannah’s intent was always to GIVE THE CHILD BACK TO GOD, not just in the way we do when we dedicate our children to the Lord, but to literally give her child to the Church and again be without him. If I focus on the annual sacrifice, I see the heart behind Hannah’s desire to have a son.

The portion of the meat Hannah was given to sacrifice was choice (some translations say it was a double portion) and it showed Elkanah’s great love for her, but it still reflected the reality that she was without children. She prayed for a child so that she would have something of great worth to give back to God. She could give the most incredible sacrifice a mother could ever give, her son. God saw Hannah’s heart – saw it was out of love for God that she asked for something God would see as priceless and beyond the value of any other sacrifice. God, who knew He would one day offer His own son as a sacrifice, understood the cost – He understood Hannah’s heart and answered her prayer.

GOD SAW HANNAH’S FAITH

When Hannah explained the reason behind her great anguish and sorrow to the priest, Eli, he responded: “In that case, go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him” (1:17). And that is exactly what Hannah did – she left with a peace and confidence that God would indeed answer her prayer. No longer sad, Hannah went back and began to eat again.

What great faith Hannah had! Her prayer had not yet been answered but she believed that God would grant her request and she allowed Him to fill her heart with joy again – even before her prayer was answered.

When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” – 1 Samuel 1:19b–20

And now we see the heart of Hannah’s husband. When Hannah told Elkanah of her plans to leave Samuel at the Tabernacle, his response was “Whatever you think is best.” Let’s not miss the fact that he would soon be losing the son he loved. In fact, Elkanah could have forbidden such a sacrifice, but he instead affirmed and supported Hannah’s promise to God. Elkanah loved Hannah and had seen her joy return in the birth of her son, but recognized the struggle that was ahead. They knew it would be difficult to give Samuel to the Lord and he prayed for help from the Lord. He recognized that the God they served could give them the strength to do exactly as Hannah had promised.

GOD GAVE HANNAH STRENGTH

When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there. – 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Hannah went from carrying a small sacrifice of meat to Shiloh to pulling along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice. What a difference! She was traveling to Shiloh to give God her best – to loving place her son in the arms of the Church and allow God to use his life for HIS kingdom. The bull represented the value of all God had blessed her life with and all she was looking forward to giving back to God. God had blessed her generously so that she could give back to Him. God had seen the desire of her heart!

Lord, give me the heart of Hannah – give me her PASSION TO BE GENEROUS with you and her great FAITH to trust you. Then give me the strength to do all you have called me to do and all I committed to you. I thank you from the depth of my heart for the three wonderful daughters you have given me. I will forever be blessed by this gift of motherhood and I commit to leaving them in your hands. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ruth 2-4

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” — Ruth 1:16

During her time of discouragement and grief, Naomi was blessed to have the love and care of her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Returning to her homeland and her relatives without her husband and sons was difficult for Naomi. It was late spring, the beginning of harvest time, but no one had been there to care for Naomi’s land so there was nothing to harvest, therefore nothing to eat. Ruth volunteered to go and gather any stalks left behind by those harvesting their fields.

Ruth found herself at the field of a relative of Naomi’s husband. When Boaz inquired as to who this woman was gathering grain in his fields, he learned that it was the woman he had heard so much about. He knew she chose to leave her family behind in order to care for Naomi. He provided safety for her by inviting her to continue to gather grain in his fields and to drink from the water the workers had drawn from the well.

“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” — Ruth 2:12

Boaz allowed Ruth to eat lunch with them and told his workers to be sure to intentionally drop extra grain for her to pick up as she followed them in the fields. That night she brought home a full basket of grain to Naomi.

Every day, Ruth returned to the fields of Boaz to gather grain. At the end of the harvest, Naomi instructed her to approach Boaz privately, asking him to “spread the corner of his covering” over her. Boaz treated Ruth kindly and sent her back to Naomi with 6 scoops of barley. Boaz then went to Elimelech’s next of kin to ask if he was going to buy Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. When the family member voiced his concern over what it might cost him to redeem his inheritance, Boaz offered to purchase the land and marry Ruth. God blessed their marriage and Ruth, who had never been able to have children with her first husband, gave birth to a son.

God saw the broken heart of Naomi and He was not done blessing her. Through a “family redeemer”, God provided Ruth with both a husband and a son. God showed His loving care of a grieving widow and her loyal daughter-in-law. The women of Bethlehem rejoiced and said to Naomi:

“Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. – Ruth 4:14b-17

TRUST GOD THROUGH THE TRAGEDIES.

God knows the good things He has planned for us and our children. From Naomi’s grandson would come the first King of Israel and then the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. What a great reminder for us to trust God through the tragedies – to let the hard times increase our faith and trust in the God who knows what is ahead and loves us enough to send His son to die on a cross for us – to become our ultimate Redeemer.

Praise the Lord, who has provided a Redeemer for all of us!

Today’s Reading: Ruth 1, Psalm 72

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. – Ruth 1:1-2a

SOMETIMES WE CREATE TRAGEDY BECAUSE WE DO NOT TRUST GOD.

We read back in Genesis of the disturbing origin of the Moabites. After Lot fled from Sodom and Gomorrah, he settled in a small village of Zoar. He became afraid of the people there and retreated to a cave in the mountains with his two daughters. These young women began to fear they would never marry and have children now that they were isolated and living away from their people. So they shamefully got their father drunk and took turns going in to lie with him and do things that should never be done. As a result they both became pregnant with their own father’s child. Instead of trusting in God to meet their needs, they took their future into their own hands and sinned against both God and their father.

The oldest daughter gave birth to a son and she named him Moab. The younger sister gave birth to a son and named him Ben-ammi. These two boys grew up and their families became the Moabites and the Ammonites – two perennial enemies of Israel with a history of grotesque wickedness, just as their incest-born origin (Genesis 19:30-38).

The reason this history is significant to me is that Elimelech and his family were able to peacefully settle in the land of Moab regardless of the history of these two nations (Judah and Moab). In time of severe famine, when their family needed a place of refuge, God graciously provided a peaceful resting place for them. But trouble and sorrow are often a part of everyday life and Elimelech died, leaving Naomi alone with her two sons. Contrary to God’s command for Israelites to not marry foreigners, Naomi’s sons married Moabite women – Orpah and Ruth. Ten years later, tragedy struck again and Naomi lost both her sons.

SOMETIMES GOD ALLOWS TRAGEDY IN OUR LIFE.

“…the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” – Ruth 1:13b

These are the words of a woman with a broken heart, struggling to understand why the God who had provided so well for her during her everyday existence would now allow such tragedy to strike her family. She had praised God during times of plenty but now only pitied herself during times of loss.

Naomi encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth loved Naomi and begged to return to Naomi’s homeland with her, pledging “…Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God…” (1:16b).

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited to see her. The women could hardly believe they were seeing their longtime friend, Naomi, returning home. It did not take them long to realize this wasn’t the same person who had left years before. Naomi had suffered tragedy and lost her joy for life. Naomi left seeking God and returned bitter towards God.

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” – Ruth 1:20-21

Naomi left Bethlehem during a severe famine but she described herself as “full” at that time. Her physical needs were suffering but she had her family and, therefore, joy. She returned to Bethlehem with her physical needs met and the blessing of a loyal and virtuous daughter-in-law but she could not see beyond her pain to rejoice in what God had blessed her with. She only saw what she was without.

HOW OFTEN DOES OUR PRAISE TURN INTO PITY WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES?

We struggle to understand why the same God who has blessed us so generously could allow heartache and pain to come into our lives. We live in an imperfect world where death and disease are a reality, yet we blame God for not intervening and saving us from the worst pain we have ever felt. But it is important for us to know that we serve a God who cares for us when tragedy strikes. We have been redeemed by Christ and it is time to recognize that we are precious to Him — He cares about what we are going through.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;
he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
and he will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are precious to him. – Psalm 72:12-14