1 SAMUEL 1:5
“But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the LORD had closed her womb.”
“‘For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.’ So they worshiped the LORD there.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Hannah’s story may be familiar enough that you’d be tempted to skim over it, but don’t, because she has a lesson to teach us. God’s people are not exempt from heart-wrenching disappointments and I appreciate that the Bible never sugar-coats reality. But what about our response? The rawness of Hannah’s grief and sorrow struck me as I read First Samuel recently, but it’s her example of worship that caused me to ponder.
From a human perspective, childless Hannah had good reason for distress, that is until you factor in God’s sovereign dealings with His own. He was the architect of her barrenness. He was the one who, year after year, closed her womb. I have no doubt that she questioned, “Why Lord?” And while the scriptures are quiet as to the reasons behind such divine withholding, we know for certain that Hannah looked beyond the immediate and chose to worship. Hers was a sacrifice of praise that not many are willing to endure.
Read the account and you see Hannah weeping, yet she worshiped. In anguish, she worshiped, and ultimately, in trust, gave back to the Lord the son for which she had asked. When she presented her little boy to Him, this Jewish mama relinquished her life, heart, love, future, hope; her everything. All was His. Hers was a forever worship of surrender.
– Pastor Jack
