Thursday, May 7

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020


"As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, 'How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.'

"'Not so, my lord,' Hannah replied, 'I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.'

"Eli answered, 'Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.'

"She said, 'May your servant find favor in your eyes.' Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast." (1 Samuel 1:12-18)


1 Samuel opens with a close look at Hannah, a righteous woman who has experienced infertility. In her prayer and pursuit of God, she proclaims her tremendous trust in God and her pursuit of His good purpose.

In the passage above, we read of Hannah's interaction with Eli, the chief priest, during one of her visits to Shiloh. The family had come to "worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty." While the Elkanah's other wives taunted Hannah, it appears that Elkanah has treated her with kindness and has a similar focus on serving and loving God.

Hannah's dedication ultimately finds its fulfillment in God's promise of a son, Samuel. In turn, she dedicates him to the Lord's service and nurtures him, even from afar, as he grows into a mighty servant of God. Hannah's faithfulness would ultimately lead into Samuel's serving as Israel's leader and the guide for David, whose kingly lineage would stretch to the Messiah, King Jesus.

Hannah's life shows us the value and importance of individual dedication to the Lord. She may not have held an office or lived in a palace, but she could faithfully follow God and pursue His good purpose. As His children, we all have this great privilege. How do we choose to live it out?

What lessons can we take away from Hannah's life? We may commit ourselves to worship and seeking God, even when the fulfillment of our prayers stands far off. Our sorrow does matter to God, and He desires to show His love. Others may not understand the deep longings and passions of our hearts, but God does. Praise Him that He does care and know our sorrows and passions!


Lord God, thank You for the example of Hannah, your righteous servant. Help us to seek You in dedication as she did. Speak into our lives and reaffirm Your good purpose for us. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your righteousness and Your presence. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


Hannah's Prayer in Music (1 Samuel 2:1-10): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6VplwbGJkI

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