God Gives Gifts 2

1 Samuel 2:7-9

While I was preparing for a funeral with a family recently one of the members commented on how difficult it was to face a loss. He observed that as a pastor I must take part in funerals frequently, and then he turned to me and asked, “How do you do it?”

I gave him my honest answer. I know that God is in control of all things. I trust in God. We will face loss and grief now and then, but ultimately the Lord is in control and He surrounds us with His love.

Hannah, thought to be barren and unable to have children, has given birth to her son Samuel. As promised, she has given the child over to the temple, specifically the high priest Eli, so that he might serve God.

In a prayer offered to God Hannah puts her situation in perspective. What are all the things God does for people?

It is said that happiness comes in our lives, not when we have all that we want, but when we appreciate all that we have. We may possess many great and wonderful things. Our lives may be full of riches, expensive items, clothes, furniture, cars, and on and on.

Our lives may also feel empty. We may feel that we have very little in way of material possessions. We may lack the type of home or clothing or comforts that others have.

What we must do is realize that all things come from God. He is the One who is able to lift us up or bring us low. He is in control of all the earth.

Although we may not always recognize the vast riches we have we should see that our lives are filled with great gifts from God. Hannah desired a son, not simply for selfish contentment, but so that she might feel that she was complete. God gave her that son, and she was then able to give her son back to God as one of his priests.

We may ask God for many things. We may ask for the contentment we are missing. But like Hannah, we must know that all things come from God and therefore belong to God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember that all you have really belongs to God?