Remembering God's love in times of trouble

​10-10-22
Today's devotion is based on the prayer of Hanna as she left her young son to serve in the Temple. 1 Samuel 1: 26-2:3, "And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. For this child, I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. And Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation. "There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.'"

Hannah had prayed for years for the gift of a child. She promised that if God granted her request, the child would be dedicated to God all the days of his life. After young Samuel was only just weaned, Hannah kept her promise, leaving him in the care of the priest Eli to be raised in service in the Temple.

Can you imagine what that was like? Can you imagine how her heart must have struggled to give away the gift she had only just received? And this is where her prayer in today's passage is prayed! It is a prayer proclaiming God's goodness and his ability to reverse fortunes and bring hope where things seem hopeless.
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I don't know what losses you are facing today, but I pray that you might have the courage to have the faith of Hannah. Pour your heart out to him, and then spend some time remembering his character. Speak Hannah's prayer out loud, proclaim the truth about your God, and see how that shapes your heart as it brings comfort and peace in the midst of trouble.

Please pray with me: Lord, you granted the desires of Hannah's heart, and then she surrendered it all back to you. Help me hold your gifts freely and gratefully today. When my heart is struggling, remind me of the truth of who you are and that your heart towards me is good. In Jesus' blessed name, I pray. Amen.