4TH WEEK OF ADVENT

I prayed for this child. . . . Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord. 

How easy it is to let difficult or unexpected circumstances distract or derail us from following the Lord! A harsh word sets us on a path of self-pity, or that less-than-perfect situation causes us to fear how someone we love will manage. But through Hannah’s example, we can learn to focus on God’s presence and his faithfulness in the midst of life’s ups and downs.

Hannah had spent somewhere between two and three years preparing for the moment when she would offer her son, Samuel, back to the Lord. The day had finally arrived when Samuel was weaned and Hannah could fulfill the promise she had made to God. With grateful acknowledgment of God’s goodness toward her, Hannah brought him to the place where she had first prayed for a child and left him with Eli, the priest.

Samuel belonged to the Lord now. It was now up to Eli to train him to serve God and the whole people of Israel. But doesn’t it seem strange that Hannah entrusted her son to the same person who had accused her three years prior of being drunk as she poured out her heart in prayer? Shouldn’t she rather have rebuked Eli for his false accusation? But rather than getting sidetracked by the past, Hannah focused instead on fulfilling her promise to God. And God was faithful to her. Hannah went on to have five more children, while Samuel grew up strong in the Spirit of God.

Christmas is less than three days away, and you may be distracted by any number of less-than-perfect circumstances. Take a moment to acknowledge them as you pray, but try to keep your focus on the Lord. He is coming as a newborn child who will one day offer his life for you just so you can live with him forever. Focus on the One who is present in the manger and in your heart. Then, as you work through whatever distractions or unpleasant situations you are facing, imitate Hannah. Try to keep your eyes on the Lord and his goodness to you. Trust that as you do, that goodness will shine through you.

“Jesus, Son of God, no matter what is happening in my life this week, help me to stay focused on you.”

(Psalm) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Luke 1:46-56
1 Samuel 1:24-28