20 JUN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. The Lord gives both death and life; he brings some down to the grave but raises others up. The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.” 1 Sam. 2:2,6-7
In the second chapter of Samuel, we have a beautifully rich theological prayer of Hannah. She has received an answer to prayer and dedicates her only son to God, releasing him into permanent service to God. Her guilt and shame are taken away by this gift of a child. She pauses in reflection and praises what God has done for her. This is very much like the song of Mary when she has been given the honor and privilege of being the mother of Jesus.
Worship is the response of someone who has been shown grace by the Lord. The more you understand what God has done for you, the more your life becomes worship. Hannah really has great things to say about God and the significance of his sovereignty and grace. Understanding that God is holy, is a great place to start. He is something completely different. He is perfect in every way and without sin. There is no evil in Him, nor does he do evil.
Sometimes we look at what God does or allows and can get bent and accuse him of injustice. No one has ever experienced injustice from God. You either experience justice or mercy. There is no other God, just the God of the Bible. All others then are either products of man or Satan. One of the things that Hannah gets is God places us into the time, location, socio-economic slot, and situations. If you grow up poor or rich, the Lord allows that for his own reasons. Like Hannah, she took what she was given and took it to the Lord and He satisfied her.
All the things we think will bring us satisfaction will fail and leave us wanting. Surrendering it all and throwing yourself onto God will bring satisfaction and joy that is lasting through every challenge this life can bring. God will raise you up those who are his when this life is over. Now that is something that will cause our hearts to praise God like Hannah.
Is there a song of praise in your heart to God?
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