1 Samuel 1 - All on the Altar

Have you ever longed for something year after year and not seen it come to you?  Have you ever so committed your petitions to God that you would offer even that one thing you have been longing for?  That's exactly where we meet Hannah in this chapter. She had been burdened by childlessness (a shameful condition) and aggravated by her husband's other wife. Day after day her condition was thrown in her face in a heartless act of confrontation. What misery!  Yet Hannah turns to the Lord for her hope. Consider what she lays on the altar:

Her Burden:  she brings before the Lord her desire for a child of her own. A son that would show her life was not utterly cursed. 

Her Misery:  the conflict between the two wife's had added to the misery of her condition. Yet she brings her misery to the Lord asking Him to look kindly upon her. 

Her Reputation:  Hannah risks her reputation by praying silently before the Lord leaving the priest to wonder if she were drunk. It didn't matter what others thought of her; she was passionate in her pleas to God. 

Her Child: if God would grant her a child she would dedicate him to the Lord's service all the days of his life. She would not be there for so many of the firsts in his life. She would not have the pleasure of raising him. She would give even her greatest desire to the Lord. 

When we are faced with conflict and despair, we are told to bring them to the Lord and leave them there. I confess O have not always left my burden in the Lord's hand. There have been times O have brought it to the altar and then picked it up again as I left. We can follow Hannah's example and completely trust God with our most intimate requests knowing that He hears our prayers. The name Samuel in fact means "heard of God". 

Hannah is also a reminder of the all that was placed on the altar for our salvation. "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son". We are God's desire. As we place our faith in Him, we like Samuel become consecrated to the Lord all the days of our life. In serving we learn more of God's character and grow in His likeness. We show our love in return by living for God's pleasure (and He gives us great joy on return). 

If you all has not been placed on the altar, take a moment today to share your longings and your burdens with Him. He loves you so much and hears our prayers as we place our trust in Him. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.