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1 Hannah prayed: I'm bursting with God-news! I'm walking on air. I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation. 2 Nothing and no one is holy like God, no rock mountain like our God. 3 Don't dare talk pretentiously - not a word of boasting, ever! For God knows what's going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. 4 The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces, while the weak are infused with fresh strength. 5 The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts, while the hungry are getting second helpings. The barren woman has a houseful of children, while the mother of many is bereft. 6 God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. 7 God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. 8 He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives - a place in the sun! For the very structures of earth are God's; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation. 9 He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle! 10 God's enemies will be blasted out of the sky, crashed in a heap and burned. God will set things right all over the earth, he'll give strength to his king, he'll set his anointed on top of the world! (1 Samuel 2:1-10 The Message Bible)
Welcome to Part Two of yesterday's story of Hannah. This passage can serve as the Psalm reading for this week, for it contains all the wonderful components of a psalm. It is first and foremost, a psalm of celebration for all answered prayers merit celebration, and to use the language of this version, Walking on air, and dancing my salvation.
Hannah’s song of praise is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of worship. After years of deep anguish and longing for a child, Hannah's prayer was answered with the birth of her son, Samuel. In her song, she not only expresses her personal joy but also acknowledges God's sovereignty and justice. It is evident that Hannah's heart is overflowing with praise for her God.
Hannah begins her song by exulting in the Lord, declaring that her heart is full of joy because of Him. In our lives, how often do we pause to recognize the blessings we have received? Gratitude opens our hearts to experience joy, even in difficult times.
In verses 4-5, Hannah proclaims that the bows of the mighty are broken while the weak are clothed with strength. This is a powerful truth about God’s ability to turn situations around. When we feel weak or defeated, we can trust that God is at work. His plans often transcend our understanding.
Hannah speaks of God’s judgment and power over the world. Verse 10 emphasizes that God’s enemies will be shattered, while those who serve Him will be strengthened. This reminds us that God is not only intimately involved in our personal lives but also in the larger picture of justice and righteousness in the world.
Hannah's journey was long and filled with pain, but she remained faithful. Her eventual joy did not come without struggle. We are called to trust God's timing and purpose, knowing that He sees the bigger picture.
PRAYER: Awesome God, Thank You for being a God who hears our cries and answers our prayers. We praise You for Your sovereignty and justice, and we ask for the strength to trust in Your timing. Help us to be like Hannah, filled with gratitude and joy, even in the midst of trials. May our hearts sing praises to You and may we recognize the blessings You have bestowed upon us. Guide us to reflect Your light and love in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: What areas do you need to surrender to God? Where can you proclaim His goodness? This week, make a deliberate effort to thank God for His blessings, especially in challenging situations.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
