On overcoming worry
One of the most interesting questions that arises from the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 1 is the reason for Hannah's radical change.
In verse 7 we read that Hannah 'wept and would not eat.' Hannah was so upset that she was unable to participate in the family's worship.
In verse 10 we read that she wept 'in bitterness of soul'.
But in verse 18 Hannah's face was no longer downcast.
And in verse 19 we read that she worshipped.
"Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."
Charles Spurgeon
What was it that changed Hannah's attitude so dramatically?
Although 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 her prayer had changed something 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.
It was Hannah's confidence in God that had changed.
Hannah's confidence in God turned her from a woman 'in bitterness of soul' to a woman who worshipped.
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 holy and incomparable God was her 'rock' - her safe stronghold and security. (v2)
'The Lord is a God who knows' - He is omniscient
God knew Hannah's situation. He knew everything about her.
And God knows us. He knows everything about us. He knows our situations, he knows our hearts, and he weighs our actions. (v3)
God is in control - He is omnipotent
Hannah know God was in control. Everything was in God's hands. She understood that every aspect of life is determined by the sovereign hand of God.
We too know that God is in control. He gives and he takes away. He humbles and he exalts. He brings life and He appoints death. (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 does not change - He is still compassionate.
God is the creator - He is Lord
Hannah recognised that 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?
