Sunday, April 19, 2020

Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

1 Samuel 1-2

Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 1 Samuel 1:18

Day 83 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on a transition from the period of Israel's history where they lived under a theocracy without a king to a period of time when God raises up three kings - Saul, David, and Solomon.  Today the focus is three primary stories as this transition begins: (1) Hannah's persistent prayer for a child and God's direct affirmative response resulting in not just the birth of the prophet Samuel, but three sons and two daughters; (2) the growth of Samuel in the presence of the Lord; (3) the sins of Eli's sons.

In particular, Hannah's story of anguish, prayer, and faith strikes me the most this morning.

First of all, after her prayers to God, even before hearing God's response, Hannah's disposition changed.  She went from weeping bitterly (1 Samuel 1:7, 10) to "no longer [being] downcast".  Second, while she prayed for a child, she made a vow that he will serve the Lord - meaning he would inevitably spend less time at home.  Of course, Samuel is born (1 Samuel 1:19-20).  While the birth of Samuel is indeed an answer to prayer, so is Hannah's peace and faith.

Prayer does something and in John Piper's words "causes great things to happen".  Referencing James 4:2, he remarks that we are fools if we don't ask for things in prayer.

I desire to grow in my prayer life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a remarkable God, the one and only true God.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and are worthy of my worship.  I am completely undeserving of such a God.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.