Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV)

“My heart exults in the LORD;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.

“There is no Holy One like the LORD,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The LORD kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and on them he has set the world.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed.”

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Reflect

Hannah believed that she would never be able to have a child. Others had ridiculed her because she was childless. She was heartbroken and in great anguish, but God heard Hannah’s prayers and she gave birth to a son. Then she did the unthinkable. After years of waiting for a child, she dedicated that child back to God. She took her son, Samuel, to the synagogue and left him there. He would never live at home with her again.

Yet, as she made this heart-wrenching decision and sacrifice, she rejoiced. She didn’t rejoice in the fact that her son was no longer living with her. Hannah showed a passion and a commitment to God that ought to humble us. On the day that she made one of the greatest sacrifices that a person can make, she rejoiced in the Lord.

Hannah had been through a great deal. She had known pain and heartache. Yet, she had seen that, through it all, God was with her. Now, as she faced this difficult moment she was able to rejoice knowing that God still stood by her side.

What are you going through today? What kind of pains are you having to deal with? You may have little reason to rejoice in the circumstances of life. Yet, whatever the world may hand you, you are never alone. God is there to help guide you out of the valley and back to the mountain top. No matter what comes your way, you can always rejoice in the Lord.

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Pray

Eternal God, it is so comforting to know that you are always there for us and with us. Today, and every day, we are going to face difficult moments. We are going to face trying decisions. We are going to experience heartache and heartbreak to varying degrees. Help us to remember all of the moments that you have lifted us up. Help us to see that you are still by our side. Help us to remember that, even in the darkest moments of life, we can still rejoice in you. Amen.

Go with God.