Hannah’s Song
Hannah was barren and bitterly wept as she prayed to the Lord making a vow. If God gave her a son then she would “give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.” He granted her desire, and when the Samuel was three months old she fulfilled her vow bringing him to Eli the high priest. Her worship described those who inherit a seat of honor and how and why.
“He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles; and inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He set the world on them. He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail.” (1 Samuel 2:8-9)
God raises the humble and the needy to an inheritance of honor. Our flesh accomplishes nothing. But this truth is often lost in our every day lives. Instead of trusting God’s will for our life we become dissatisfied comparing our lot to others. Envy replaces appreciation and contentment is allusive. Best to focus on the “what is” and not “what if.”
Incase you’ve been caught in the trap of comparing, know that you’re in good company. The psalmist had this to say about envying the wicked. “When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like an animal before You.” (Psalm 73:21-22) In other words: Envy results in bitterness caused by thoughtless stupidity, which appears no higher than an animal before the Creator.
It’s a good thing we are not left with that picture. “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me with honor.” (Psalm 73:23-24) Even though we struggle learning our Father’s ways we haven’t let go, nor has He let go of us. His word is guiding us to that “inherited seat of honor” that Hannah praised God for as she worshiped.
Father, there are so many traps to be avoided. Comparing our life to another is one of them, and it is being disrespectful to You. Help us discover and rejoice in Your will. An inherited seat of honor sounds wonderful to me! Thank You for Christ, for in His name we are heard.
His Family Table 