Self-Centered No More

by Sharon W. Betters

TODAY’S TREASURE

Dear Friends,

Where are you on your pilgrimage? Are you taking time to “taste and see that the Lord is good?” Are you intentionally building systems into your life that will act as your default system if life comes crashing down? Or are you hanging on to hope, desperate for someone to come alongside of you and help you continue to walk by faith? Last week we saw that Hannah’s practice of corporate worship led her to freedom in her personal lamenting before her God. Lamenting that brings God into our sorrows deepens our worship. Hannah does not just pour out her soul, she begs God to remember her and give her a son. Then she promises that if He gives her that son, she will give him back to God:

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

1 Samuel 1:10-11 ESV

Hannah’s lament involved her whole body. I imagine her falling to her knees, arms outstretched toward heaven, her body heaving from sobs rushing from a deep well of grief and longing, the kind of crying we call ugly. Though he cannot hear her words, the priest Eli observes what he concludes is drunken behavior. Once Eli understood that she was pouring out her soul to God, the priest blessed her with hopes that God would hear His daughter and give her the desires of her heart. The transformation that came about through this intimacy with God shows up on her face:

Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

1 Samuel 1:18 ESV

Another translation says: Her face became self-concerned no more.

Hannah is a picture of the peace described in Today’s Treasure, the peace that comes when we throw our burdens at the feet of our God and trust in His goodness. After years of turmoil, Hannah experiences inner peace that flows into her face.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

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The thread of God’s sovereignty shines throughout Hannah’s story and I suspect that Hannah’s surrender to God’s sovereignty over her womb fueled her peaceful facial expression. The story of our Redeemer, Jesus, also shines throughout Hannah’s story and especially her prayer. As you join in corporate worship at your local church, note Scriptures and mentions in the sermon that celebrate the sovereign love of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how your Heavenly Father’s sovereignty brings beauty from ashes and gives purpose and joy when life falls apart. Look for Jesus on every page of Scripture.

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.

A Pilgrimage Fueled by Hope ~ Week 8