Hannah suffered a common fate. Married to a good man, she desired a child, but none came. After much begging and weeping and pleading, a son arrived. Hannah’s prayer of thankfulness reminds me of the source of all things that make life wonderful.

My heart rejoices in the Lord…it is not by strength that one prevails…He will guard the feet of his faithful servants.

Brute force rarely opens marvelous doors. The Lord blessed Hannah with a baby at a time when all she could do was wait for a pregnancy. No other treatments existed. No amount of strength would force that door.

I notice the best doors in my life open gradually. For instance, good relationships come slowly, with understanding and kindness and forgiveness, not force. A fine meal arrives to the table thanks to the skill of the chef, not her strength. No power is required to enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods.

Hannah’s prayer points me to God. Through the Lord barren women bear children, and through the Lord I may prevail.

Thank you Lord, that I’m not dependent on my strength, but on you.

1 Samuel 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jennifer Griffin