Heart Full of Praise

1 Samuel 2:1-11

After presenting Samuel to serve at the Tabernacle, Hannah worshiped the Lord. Her heart was filled with gratitude and she praised God in a beautiful prayer. She affirms God’s sovereignty by listing how He easily changes people’s circumstances – lifting up those who suffer and bringing down the proud. Instead of regretting her vow to give her only son in service to the Lord, she celebrates God’s goodness and full control over all the earth.

1. How does your heart respond to an answer to prayer? Is your response very different if the answer is not what you hoped for? 

2. The end of verse 9 says, “No one will succeed by strength alone.” Does this bring you comfort or cause concern?  

Challenge: Exercise your “praise muscles” by consistently thanking God for all of the blessings you encounter each day – whether it’s as insignificant as an available parking spot when you’re running late, or as profound as miraculous healing after a serious diagnosis. When we are in the habit of praising our good God every day, it is much easier to experience peace when struggles come.