Monthly Meditation

Overcoming Anxiety

What was it that changed Hannah's attitude so dramatically?

Hannah prayed. We don't read that she rose from prayer knowing that she would have a son. When she finished praying her situation was just the same as it had been for years - she was childless and still a likely victim of Peninnah's torment. But something had changed and it showed on her face - she was no longer sad.

Perhaps we find the answer in Hannah's prayer of praise

In 1 Samuel 2 v 1-10 Hannah offers a prayer of praise to God. What stands out in that prayer is Hannah's confidence in the all-embracing sovereignty of God.

The sovereign Lord was the source of Hannah's joy. Others might have supposed Samuel was the reason for her joy, but Hannah points beyond gift, to the Giver. It was the Lord that caused her heart to rejoice, it was the Lord who had intervened on her behalf and delivered her (v 1).

From this prayer of praise we begin to discover what Hannah understood about God:

God is absolutely holy and without comparison

Hannah was able to say that this incomparable God was her 'rock' - her safe stronghold and security. (v2)

'The Lord is a God who knows' - He is omniscient

He knows everything about us. He knows our words; he weighs our actions and he will be our judge. (v3)

God is in control - He is omnipotent

Everything is in God's hands. He gives and he takes away. He humbles and he exalts. He brings life and appoints death. Hannah understood that every aspect of life is determined by the sovereign hand of God. (v 4-8).

God is compassionate

Hannah had seen for herself how this holy, omniscient, omnipotent God chooses to act on behalf of the weak and the powerless. (v 4-8)

God is the creator - He is Lord

Everything belongs to God and everything is under his authority. He is both the protector of his people and the judge of those who oppose him. (v 8-10)

From Hannah's prayer of praise we get a picture of God's character.
It is God who rules. His authority cannot be challenged; his sovereign purposes will be accomplished. And yet, this same sovereign God is concerned for individuals - the humble, the poor and the weak.

Could this be the reason that despite the uncertainty of Hannah's future - 'her face was no longer downcast' and she worshipped?'

Is Hannah's God - your God?

Do you, like Hannah, have confidence in the all-embracing sovereignty of God?

What difference will it make in your life?