Today’s author is Mischa Beary, Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbor.
Hannah’s story and her beautiful song she sings to the LORD echoes that of Job and Mary; both faithful and having solid trust in the LORD despite their circumstances and what they were up against. As Hannah sings “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.” 1 Samuel 2:6, Job also says “…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21. Along with Mary saying “I am the servant of the LORD. May it be unto me according to your word.” Luke 1:38. Hannah, Job and Mary did not trust in themselves, in the world or others advice or counsel; they had full assurance that God is the God of the impossible, that He is alive and active, and that He hears them and cares for them. Their belief was strong and unshakable. Jesus calls us to that belief; to believe in Him without wavering and that when we pray in secret, the God who is in secret hears us and will reward us.
I love how Hannah pours out her heart before God at the temple, not worrying about who is there and what they will think. She was bitter and wept severely. Out of the abundance of her heart she spoke to the LORD. She came to the place where she knew she could meet with the LORD with her request. How amazing is it that we, the children of God can meet Him right where we are, in our bitterness, our weeping, our sorrow, our joys, our heartache, our pain, our ups and downs and He is right there listening! We can meet him right when we open our eyes, in our kitchen, our backyard, anywhere we are; there He is. In our speaking to Him, we are building our relationship with Him. And how amazing it is to watch and see Him at work!
When I was 18, the rule in our house was to leave the nest. You had better find somewhere to go because now you’re an adult and you can’t stay here, kind of rule. I moved to NY and got into a lot of heavy things. In desperation I would call my Stepmom and Dad, and they’d say, “we’ll pray for you” At that time, it made me cringe because I didn’t have a firm foundation in Jesus, I didn’t know Him and know that He was truly listening. I didn’t think their prayers were going to do anything for me to help me get out of the hole I was in. I learned to call on Jesus myself. I learned to trust Him. I found that He is real. I found that indeed He is listening and listening closer than I could imagine. Their years of praying for me, I have seen the LORD answering through it all, and I am forever grateful!
God hears when we cry out, He is our friend that listens always, He hears our rejoicing, He hears when we may even be upset or confused. Jesus Himself prays for us: “Christ is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34. When we pray, we can pour out our hearts before God as Hannah did. She is a beautiful example of sincere faith and trust!
Listening God,
Thank You for your faithfulness, Your mercy and grace! Thank You that we can find mercy in any time of need. Thank You that when we call upon You, You are already listening. May we seek you and find You in seeking with all of our hearts. You are the One True living God; we are forever grateful to know You and be known by You! May we come to Your throne with boldness as children of the Living God! We love You! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.