TODAY’S SCRIPTURE 1 Samuel 1
She named him Samuel because, “I have asked for him from the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:20). Hannah’s fervent prayer had been heard and God has answered with a miraculous and resounding “yes.” This woman who had not been able to conceive though she desperately wanted a child now has her little boy.
But Hannah’s heart for God does not grow cold with the granting of this petition. She had said that the boy would be dedicated to the work of God (vs. 11), and she would see to that. Now it is time for her to follow through on her vow or to go against it. How could she give up this child, even at a young age?
Hannah weans the baby boy and keeps her vow, taking him to the service of the priest Eli, even when “the child was young” (vs. 24). This godly woman, though, still has the heart of a mother; thus, we are told that she brings Samuel “a little robe” that she has made every year (2:19). How precious!
But more precious is the heart of this woman. While she obviously loves this boy, her heart is fully devoted to God — first and foremost. She keeps a vow that many others would have reneged on. Her prayer upon the birth of Samuel is covered with praise (2:1-10). When she brings the robes to Samuel, it is at the time that “she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice” (2:19).
The example that Hannah sets before us is not one of just getting some kind of wish granted. God is not a genie in a bottle. Instead, Hannah’s example is one of full devotion to the Lord, through struggle and joy. Her heart is centered on the Lord, no matter her circumstances. Whether physical, emotional, financial, relational, or even spiritual struggles, our hearts need to be fully devoted to God and trust that He will give us what is best, not only in this life, but also for the eternal life to come.
Today I will…make a list of just some of the blessings God has given me. I cannot count them all,
