No Holy One Like the Lord

God Instructs the People of God

Listening for God in Changing Times:

Let God Rule

1 Samuel 2:1-10

The Message

 ¹ Hannah prayed: I'm bursting with God-news! I'm walking on air.
    I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation. ^2-5 Nothing and no one is holy like God,
      no rock mountain like our God.
   Don't dare talk pretentiously—
      not a word of boasting, ever!
   For God knows what's going on.
      He takes the measure of everything that happens.
   The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,
      while the weak are infused with fresh strength.
   The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts,
      while the hungry are getting second helpings.
   The barren woman has a houseful of children,
      while the mother of many is bereft.
 ^6-10 God brings death and God brings life,
      brings down to the grave and raises up.
   God brings poverty and God brings wealth;
      he lowers, he also lifts up.
   He puts poor people on their feet again;
      he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
   Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
      a place in the sun!
   For the very structures of earth are God's;
      he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.
   He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step,
      but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark.
      No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!
   God's enemies will be blasted out of the sky,
      crashed in a heap and burned.
   God will set things right all over the earth,
      he'll give strength to his king,
      he'll set his anointed on top of the world!

For Reflection
Hanna prayed for a child.  Her prayers were answered.  No longer would she have to endure the taunting of her husband's other wife.  Hanna had every reason to boast of God's gift.  She had cause to praise the gift and hold Samuel high over all others.  If ever there was a time to gloat, this was it!

Hanna chose instead to praise the giver not the gift.  Hanna chose not to boast but to revel in the joy of this event.  She knows the power of God's word and has learned to trust in His judgment.  Do you have sufficient trust in God to let him rule?

Pray
that your trust in the Lord is steadfast and unwavering.     Pray that you give all your mortal  need for control to the Lord.  Pray for exceptional trust in God.