Devotion for the Tenth Day of Christmas

And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” …

But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.”

~ 1 Samuel 1:11, 22

Hannah was desperate for a son. In that time and place, a woman who was barren was disgraced. She was so desperate for a child that she promised God that if He would only give her a son, she would give him to the service of the Lord. God answered her prayer, and Hannah kept her promise. After he was weaned, she took the child to the temple to serve the Lord. That child who was an answer to prayer was Samuel, a great prophet of Israel. God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she kept her promise. Hannah’s stigma was removed and she enjoyed a short time with her baby, but then she gave him up. She was content just to be a mother, even if she couldn’t do all that mothers do.

Eternal, holy God, please make me more like Hannah. When she was in distress, she went directly to You in prayer. Forgive me when I complain and moan to others rather than taking my problems to You first and only. Hannah was satisfied with bearing a son and giving him up to You. So often I want more instead of being satisfied with the many blessings I have. Forgive me, Lord, and give me a grateful heart. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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