READ - RESPOND - REPEAT

Her face was no longer sad.

Photo courtesy of Sgrace
What a great example of the scriptures tying together. Following is an excerpt from 1st Samuel (emphasis mine).
As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. (1Samuel 1:12-18; ESV)
That illustrates so well what Paul is talking about in Philippians...
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7; ESV)

5 comments:

Todd said...

I've been thinking a lot about anxiety/stress lately, due to personal stuff as well as it being Passion week and thinking about Christ sweating blood in the garden. I've been thinking about the Philippians 4 reference, but I hadn't thought about the one in 1 Samuel in regard to being troubled.

Patrick Parker said...

Glad you got something out of that, Todd. If you think that is cool, check out Hannah's prayer in 1Sam2:1f. She has gone from anxiety to peace to exultation!

P

Patrick Parker said...

And while you're at it, check out the words of encouragement from the Ligonier blog today...

"Pray with your mouth, cry out with your heart, make petitions while you work, so that every day and night, every hour and moment, God may always assist you."

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/2009/04/our-hope-in-ages-past.html

Todd said...

I just read that, and thanks again! Good reminders...

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