May 7

Hold on to Hope

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 66:16-20 | 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:21 | John 5:1-23 |  Proverbs 14:28-29

Today’s Scripture Focus:  1 Sam. 1:1-2:21

“My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies for I delight in your deliverance.  There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Sam 2:1-2 TNIV).

When others would be tempted to give up, Hannah held on to hope. She continued to trust God for a child even though she had been barren for many years. She refused to give in to the disappointment of things seen and continued to look in hope to that which was yet unseen.

Hannah had many battles to fight as she held on to hope. She had to battle the circumstances.  She had been unable to conceive for many years. The situation appeared hopeless. Yet she held on to hope in the one who was her Rock and Deliverer.

She also had to face persecution. If being childless was difficult, having a rival constantly taunting her made things nearly unbearable. There was another wife who had no trouble bearing children. She persecuted Hannah and made fun of her. Yet Hannah held on to hope.

She even had to face misunderstanding—and this by a religious leader—when she went to the LORD’s house to pray. Eli, the head priest, saw her praying and thought she was drunk and scolded her. Hannah politely set the record straight and went on praying. Being misunderstood would not keep her from holding on to hope.

She was a woman of prayer. She was a woman who trusted God. She was a woman who knew how to worship. All of this enabled her to keep her focus on God, her Rock.  

One day God answered her. She conceived. Her hope became a reality. She was able to rejoice in the deliverance of the LORD.

Don’t give up hope. Don’t be distracted from it by the trials, persecution or misunderstanding.  Keep your eyes on the one who is always faithful to His promise. Hold on to hope.

God of Hope, fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in you that I may overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).