Love That Never Fails

53. True Worship

In the midst of grief or loss, it's hard to imagine being able to worship the Lord or rejoice but as we turn to the second chapter of 1 Samuel, this is what we find Hannah doing! Remember she had just given her very young child back to the Lord as she promised to do. While she knew she must fulfil her promise, it came at such a great cost to her. As she began to worship in prayer, we read of a most incredible heart —one who is able to truly rejoice, even in the midst of personal pain and loss!

"Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Even when there is nothing left to give us joy, as Christians, we have One who we can truly rejoice in, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. "
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4 NIV‬‬

Paul was speaking of this deep place of joy in the Lord that Hannah had, despite the prevailing circumstances! Hannah's joy found its source of strength in the Lord as she mentions that in Him, her horn is lifted high. A horn was often seen as a picture of strength in the Bible, particularly the Psalms:

"You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox..."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92:10‬ a NIV‬‬

Do you find your strength in God or is there some other way you are seeking it? This year has been so challenging but there is that One source of strength that can truly get us through anything. When everything else is stripped away, God is our only true strength and source of lasting joy! Imagine having the strength of a wild ox —it's freely available to you!

Notice that Hannah acknowledges there is no one like the Lord! Friends and even family have their breaking point when it comes to supporting us in difficult times but here we see Hannah speaking of her Lord as a Rock —One who is unmovable, even in rough times! Often it takes extreme difficulty in our life for us to realise there is no one like the Lord!

""Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. "The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away. "The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; on them he has set the world."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:3-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Hannah speaks of her Lord as Holy, set apart from this world, all knowing and all powerful! She sees His ultimate power and authority over all, no matter their position in society. Hannah would always remember the way He changed her position from being childless to bearing a son —surely He can turn all situations around!

"He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. "It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. "He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.""
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Hannah's worship shows that she understands that the Lord is in control and will be the One and only Judge of the earth. Faithfulness to our God, who is in control, is so important —as we express our devotion to Him, He gently guards and guides us.

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

As I come toYou in prayer today, I don't feel particularly strong or joyful but that's just a feeling. I come to You based on the truth of Your Word, knowing that You truly are my strength and You do turn situations around —it's a fact! I am so blessed to be able to call You Lord and to have a place deep inside me that is not touched by the ravages of illness, or any other problem that could come against me, even the deepest grief! I know that the joy of the Lord will be my strength in any situation I find myself in.

Thank You that I know the 'King' Hannah referred to in her prayer—my King Jesus! I worship Him and lift His Name on high —so thankful for all I have in Him!

Thank You that in Jesus I find a place of rest, a source of strength and joy. Thank You that I can be sure that You are in control, even when everything else seems to be out of control. I put my trust in You to take me through this day. I choose to remain faithful to You, even when I feel weak.

My heart rejoices in You —my horn is lifted high!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.