I looked down at the black cockroach running across the floor. Bite marks on the food box in the kitchen betrayed evidence of mice. When I was in university living on my own, I went through a deep depression. Daily sugar was my consolation. The enemy critters in my apartment only served to make me feel worse, similar to how Penninah, Hannah’s husband’s other wife, tormented Hannah for not having a child.
In our verses today, Hannah rejoiced because God rescued her from childlessness. She had been in anguish, maybe even depression too. I rejoiced in God in the midst of depression and especially after he brought me out of it. He gave me a child after three went to heaven before they were born.
God, you gave Hannah a son and she gave him back to you. You made Hannah strong. You have made me stronger through my adversities such as depression and miscarriages. You didn’t promise me a rose garden with no thorns when I gave you my life. You did promise to be with me through every single trial. You test my faith and bring me through like gold (1 Peter 1:7). I choose to stay with you even if everything and everyone might be ripped away.
You gave Hannah an answer for her enemies. “Hannah’s rival [Penninah] provoked her bitterly, to irritate and embarrass her, because the Lord had left her childless.” (1 Sam. 1:6) I have an answer for my enemies (for example, my thoughts which accuse me and say I am not good enough). I am not good in myself, but I am inside your goodness. “No one is holy like the Lord!” Jesus, you are holy, and you shed your blood for me. I am building my life on you. You are my Rock. “There is no Rock like our God.”
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you are there for me every day in every way. Help me to be aware of your presence, love and power in my life. Increase my faith in you. Help me to praise you as my Rock.
Throughout this week: Read 1 Samuel chapter 1 and 2. Turn Hannah’s prayer into a personal prayer of praise to your Rescuer.
Photo Credit: Nathan Timblin