(2 WEEK STUDY BEFORE LENT BEGINS)
In two weeks, together, we will go through Paul Tripp’s Lenten Devotional. I’m going to be a participant with you and I’m excited. Hope you will join us. If so, get this now — I think you’ll want your own hard copy. If you can’t afford it, and can commit to being here, let me know by sending your mailing address to comments@deebrestin.com and I’ll get you a copy.
For the two weeks leading up to Lent, we will prepare our hearts. I’ve been doing Paige Benton Brown’s study on 1 Samuel, and it’s been SO GOOD. She is a gifted Bible teacher who streams her studies from her church and has a few more weeks to go on 1 Samuel. The opening studies are no longer online, so that’s why I’m summarizing here. If you want to jump into her study, go to http://www.westendcc.org/Paige ) I’m going to summarize her teachings on the first two chapters, and add some of my own insights. While there were a few that found her title for the series offensive, I found it helpful. It was:
It’s The Heart, Stupid!
She explained that when Bush the first was running for re-election, he had a 94% approval rating. It didn’t look like he could beat, until James Carvel came up with this slogan for Clinton:
And since that was what mattered most to most Americans, Clinton won.
What matters most to God is our hearts — it’s all over the Scripture. I loved Paige’s title because I saw it as talking to myself, though I’d replace the word stupid with “”foolish,” or “simpleton” used so often in Scripture to warn us. It reminded me of a time when I was driving home from speaking in Nebraska in a blizzard and I was a mile from home, determined to get home. I had Kathy, a young nursing mother with me. Steve called and said, “I want you to stop, knock on a farmhouse, and spend the night. It is way too dangerous for you to continue.”
I balked. I didn’t want to do it. Kathy hadn’t brought a breast pump. How did we know the farm people would be welcoming or even safe? We had only a mile to go! Steve was firm, which was rare for him, and I knew I was to submit. I still balked! God needed to show me too! I prayed for wisdom after I hung up. Right away this proverb, as I remembered it, came to my mind.
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the fool keeps going and pays the penalty.
Proverbs 27:9
The Lord couldn’t have been clearer. We did as Steve asked. The farm couple was kind, if a little rough around the edges, had a spare double bed, and we spent the night. In the morning the snow had stopped, and we saw cars strewn everywhere on the side. We knew it would have been us as well. That would have been real trouble.
A hard heart toward the Lord is a foolish, naive, and yes, stupid. A tender and receptive heart that longs to obey is a joy to the Lord — like the heart of David, Hannah, and Samuel. A tender heart is also a wise heart, for God’s boundaries are for our safety and good. Indeed, His boundary lines fall in pleasant places.
Paige said that our prayer life is so often asking God to fix our circumstances instead of our hearts. As she said, “It’s not Covid, it’s our hearts.” This study is having a huge impact on my heart, and that has so many wonderful consequences. I pray it will do the same for you.
Sunday: Dark Times
1 Samuel took place in the time of Judges, a dark dark time in the history of believers. The Word of God was rare.
But then God then aims His Word at two receptive hearts: Hannah and Samuel.
In her winsome way, Paige said, the point of I Samuel 1 is not to give your toddler to your pastor, but to allow God to penetrate your heart. The three priests: Eli, Hophni, and Phineas did not allow God’s Word to penetrate their hearts. They were fools, or at least foolish, and suffered for it. (You may disagree about Eli — but wait and see if you agree.)
- What stands out to you from the above, and why?
- When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad?
- Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?”
Monday: Desperate Heart
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah?
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go throught this torment?
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way?
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart.
Tuesday: Dependent Heart
The good thing about desperation is it makes us realize we are not in control. We may think we are at times, but the truth is, we are never in control. But in our hearts, we know who is.
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
C. What is Hannah’s very first suppication in the opening words of verse 11?
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise?
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way?
H. How does Eli respond?
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first?
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond?
Wednesday: Delivered Heart
As Hannah leaves, though Eli has added his request to hers, she does not know if God will say yes or no. Our hearts must no depend on our circumstances but on who we know God is. I believe Christians may actually suffer more than non-Christians for as Joni says, He is not so much interested in making us healthy, wealthy, or even happy — though it pleases Him to do so — but in making us holy.
9. Thoughts on the above?
10. Read 1 Samuel 1:18-19
A. As Hannah leaves, does she know that God will give her a son? Explain.
B. When He does give her a son, how does she respond?
Paige told a story about her husband wanting her to give him some of her Starbucks mocha, one she had waited in line for for a long time. She withdrew. He said, “What — you’ve give me your life — your children! She said, “And that should be enough!”
She said we are crazy like that — we’ve given God our hearts, but want to hold back o entertainment, sex life, money…
11. Where are you reluctant to sacrifice something to the Lord? Pray about it here!
12. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-27
A. What happens in this passage?
B. Our actions reveal our hearts. How does Hannah’s sacrifice demonstrate a delivered heart?
Thursday/Friday: Delighted Heart
13. Read Hannah’s song in its entirety in 1 Samuel 1:2-10.
A. What does her heart rejoice in — and what is not mentioned?
B. How does she describe the Lord?
C. What reversals does she exalt in — find them.
Paige said that she is not rejoicing in her new circumstances, but in the Lord. For no matter how shaky our circumstances, our God is unshakeable.
In fact, Hebrews tells us that God make shake our world to show us Who is unshakeable.
14. Share a time when God shook your world, but also showed you He was unshakeable.
15. Read the Song again. What becomes radioactive to you and why?
16. What similarities do you see in Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55? Thoughts?
Saturday
17. How might you apply this personally to your life?
117 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? I have been listening to Paige as well… so very good. I really resonate with your blizzard story, Dee. In my heart I want to be the strong and resilient one – the one who got it done, the hero, if you will. But I am learning more and more I am nothing except a vessel and tool for the True Almighty. If I accomplish anything it is His power in me, His Grace in me, His love in me. (I am reading Paul Tripp’s Do You Believe – it has been so wonderful for preaching Truth to my soul.)
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad? When have I ignored God?! …. This question grieves me … too many times, Lord, too many times … and always my excuses are “valid” and yet at their root is fear that stems from forgetting who I am and whose I am … fear of failure, fear of reputation….
When have I listened and been so glad? A few months ago a co-worker lamented to me about some hard things in life, she had a fish tattoo on her wrist and so I followed the Spirit’s prompting to encourage her in the cross and tell her some hard truths about how God works in our lives. This led to me being asked to lead a Bible study with co-workers and has grown to 8 women seeking Christ at my house every week. We are now doing Idol Lies and the Spirit is opening their eyes.
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?” Because the heart fives our life – if our heart becomes contaminated or enthralled with anything other than God our whole life will go astray. We will miss His calling and end up wasting our lives chasing the wrong things and missing Him.
Oh Jill–what an exciting story proceeded from your interaction with your co-worker! I will be praying for your study!!
So nice to see you here, Jill! I love your post. I especially love and relate to this:
Jill, what a great opportunity for you by following the Lord’s prompting, He has given you so much more now.
Jill, I love that you are doing a Bible study with the 8 ladies- all because you were ready to share the hard truths about how God works in our lives. I needed to read this today as I have been keeping myself from telling someone I love the hard truths that need to be talked about.
Hi Dee and everyone else,
I stopped following along with your Revelation study because I became overwhelmed with other life issues, but I have been following Paige Brown’s study of I Samuel. It has been so good and really convicting my heart! I am often one who follows God, but grudgingly, really wanting my own way instead of God’s way. I need a heart change to realize in the depths of my heart that God really loves me, knows what is best for me, and desires the best for me. One book that is helping me see God’s heart of love for me is “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund. It truly is “the heart, stupid” and I cannot change it without God’s help. My heart is a mess, dark and ugly. I am like Eustace from CS Lewis’ “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” who is a dragon who cannot change himself.
I know Lizzy and I were so impacted by Gentle and Lowly, Diane. So good. And my heart is being profoundly impacted by Paige too! Kindred spirits we are!
oh Diane–I’ve missed you! But I understand the busy season. I too have been so blessed by Paige’s study, and yes, Gently and Lowly! I also purchased his next book, “Deeper”, though I have yet to dive into it much!
Hi Diane, so glad to see you here again. You have been missed, but I was the same way as you and had to grudgingly step back from the Revelation study and upset that ‘life’ got in the way. I will have to try again on the Gentle and Lowly you are the third person to say it was really good.
Julie, I read “Gentle and Lowly” back when Dee recommended it. I was greatly blessed by it. Neat story. My son who is the pastor of our church unbeknownst to me was also reading it. I had detected in some of his preaching some truths that sounded like Gentle and Lowly and sure enough that was a book he greatly enjoyed and was blessed by also. 😊
Also I downloaded the Lenten Study by Tripp on my Kindle to use. That works well for me.
Thanks Bev. I’m going to give it another try, maybe in April once I retire and I don’t have anything else on my mind.
Sunday:
Dee just a side note on the devotional. Do you think a Kindle version would work? I don’t see it stock around me and not sure of delivery times to ship.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why? – It’s all about marketing and catchy slogans even today. I may not remember the name of a product, but I do remember the catchy songs or slogans applied to them. The storm you were in reminds me a of snowstorm we had in Illinois when I was growing up in 1967 (yes, a very long time ago) cars were all over the place and may dad and to leave his car and walk the rest of the way home then him and a neighbor took our sleds and went to the corner store to get some groceries. Us kids had a blast, but grownups were much wiser and understood the trouble it could cause. I loved this…“for God’s boundaries are for our safety and good. Indeed, His boundary lines fall in pleasant places.” I never really thought of that before, that what God has planned will be in a safe zone and will not be anything we should be afraid of. Also, that we should not just ask God to change the circumstances, but to change our hearts which to me is where my issues all start and live.
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad? – I’m trying to think of a major thing that I ignored but for me, when I ignore how to speak kindly to others, I feel miserable right after I do it and get so mad at myself. When I hesitate to do what I believe God is calling me to do because it is out of my comfort zone and requires me to step out of my box, I lose a chance to do God’s will. I’ll never get that chance again, do I actually suffer, like others, probably not, but I don’t like when I linger or do what I know I’m not supposed to be doing. And on the opposite side of that, when I felt I should give my life to the Lord I didn’t have an immediate change in my life but gradually things have changed and when I look back, I can see that it was only God who was able to do the things in my life and they have been all good. I knew my family would think I was strange when I accepted Jesus, but I did what I knew was right for me. I grew up catholic and the church I went to was very ritual, do this or that because that is what we are to do as Catholics. But I knew as I got older I was not learning or being fed what I felt was the truth. I can learn from both that when I do what I know the Lord is asking or what I know I should be doing, I have so much more joy and happiness in my life.
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?” – My heart is like a sponge, it takes in a lot, whether good or bad. It can determine how my day goes, by what I allow to get in there and take up residence. I need to also keep my mind clear of any evil or negativity so my heart can be filled with joy and peace instead. My heart leads me to how I act and even speak. I’m trying hard every day to speak joy and peace to myself and to others around me.
Your answers are always so good and reflective, Julie. I love that about you.
Kindle would certainly work. Amazon says they will deliver in two days, but I realize they don’t always do as they say — and you may not want to support Amazon. But here is that link: (will have to copy and paste — need to find out why link sign has disappeared)
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Cross-40-Day-Lenten-Devotional/dp/1433567679/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3HO09XF76DX3S&keywords=journey+to+the+cross+a+40-day+lenten+devotional&qid=1644840337&sprefix=journey+to+the+cross%2Caps%2C622&sr=8-3
Thanks Dee. I ordered the book, says it will be delivered Wednesday, we shall see.
I hope that you can stay with us, Julie. You truly are a blessing!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
I appreciate your obedience to Steve’s request in finding a farmhouse despite your balking! Such a picture of what our relationship to Christ should be…obedience, but in our humanness we balk and forget He is the head and always knows best.
I do prefer your title of “foolish” or “simpleton” as I always taught my kids that “stupid” isn’t a very nice word, but her title wouldn’t of drawn me away from not doing the study.
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad?
I have ignored Him too many times and know my misery comes because of the Holy Spirit’s convicting!
I specifically ignored Him when I knew He was asking me to witness to my neighbors…such sweet relief and freedom when I finally obeyed.
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?”
The heart is the seat of all our emotions. I think of Luke 6:45, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
The heart produces our motives behind all that we do…is it to glorify God or self?
You are right, it isn’t a very nice word.
Jan Silvious differentiates between being foolish, which we all are at times, and being a “card-carrying fool” in Proverbs. Don’t know if you have read her book on that but it interesting. Based on Proverbs, a fool believes he is always right, so doesn’t need to ever repent, uses anger to control, will repeat his folly like a dog to vomit, and according to Psalms, may be religious, but in his heart says “There is no God.” But I digress!
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
“A tender and receptive heart that longs to obey is a joy to the Lord”. I relate to that hesitance to submit and then the relief, the peace that floods when we do.
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it?
Times that I did not confront someone honestly, either with a hurt or a misunderstanding and instead let it fester and grow a root of bitterness and bring division.
3. When have you listened and been so glad?
The times I’ve learned from the above and in honesty confronted someone and felt almost immediately the joy of healing and restoration. It doesn’t happen every time, but enough times that I rarely just hold onto hurt. I have become very direct in my (older) age! I hate to let something be between me and especially another believer.
Recently I was sharing some life issues with a group of believers I am close to. One of the guys made a joke and it just grew and grew, I tried to smile but it stung a bit. I knew they cared for me, I knew I was sleep-deprived and probably being overly-sensitive, but I also knew I needed to let them know I was hurt by their words. When I shared this, the response still brings tears, such an outpouring of love and compassion– it was a gift I wouldn’t have received if I hadn’t been willing to be honest.
4. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?”
Oh there is so much to that question. Our hearts can deceive us. Our hearts can be divided, become self-focued, bitter, hardened. Matthew says “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Scripture also teaches us to seek God with all our heart, to ask Him to create a clean heart…on our own our hearts cannot be trusted–but if we love Him with all our heart, He will make our heart in line with His. It’s a daily giving over of our hearts to His hands.
Read this from Lizzy: (Love love love it)
Recently I was sharing some life issues with a group of believers I am close to. One of the guys made a joke and it just grew and grew, I tried to smile but it stung a bit. I knew they cared for me, I knew I was sleep-deprived and probably being overly-sensitive, but I also knew I needed to let them know I was hurt by their words. When I shared this, the response still brings tears, such an outpouring of love and compassion– it was a gift I wouldn’t have received if I hadn’t been willing to be honest.
I had a similar experience at pickleball with a man who was venting to me, using the F word in every other sentence. He also used it about a man I respect. I was quiet but rattled. My sisters urged me to confront him and I prayed and prayed for his heart and then prepared a speech. When I walked in he talked first; “Dee — I owe you an apology.” I nearly fell over at such a BIG CLEAR answer to prayer.
Wow-Lizzy and Dee, both your stories spur me on to pray about similar things and to step out in faith boldly to lovingly confront someone as the Lord leads. I have never been one to do so because of fear. Being in ministry while also dealing with the idol of approval, I often sweep things under the rug to keep peace and end up being miserable about it. The Lord is working in my heart.
Dee, “I prepared a speech”. This line caught my attention. I felt like this was an answer to prayer. I need to talk to my daughter about so many things but I keep on procrastinating for some reason. Perhaps, this is what I need to do. Praying and preparing my words. Thank you.
Lizzy and Dee, I love your accountability to those who were offensive. Too many times, I just hold back and let it fester. I need to really seek God to help me lovingly, with kind words let others know my feelings so I don’t hold a silent grudge against them.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
The storm! Wow….only a mile to go and you didn’t. I probably would have.
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad?
Moving from Texas to New England. My husband and I think it was the worst decision we ever made. We never even thought to pray about it. Oh how we suffered!
In the past 10 years we have been more obedient and our lives have been blessed. Our kids and grandkids.
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?”
So funny! Our pastors wife (in seminary) was our guest speaker today and preached on this very verse! There is filth around us. We are prone to wander. What lives in the heart comes bubbling out. The heart is the filter for it all.
Oh your first response made me smile.
Yes, but you were smart. Me? Not so much! I might have hiked it if I had the right clothes….
What stands out to you from the above, and why?
“A hard heart toward the Lord is a foolish, naive, and yes, stupid. A tender and receptive heart that longs to obey is a joy to the Lord — like the heart of David, Hannah, and Samuel. A tender heart is also a wise heart, for God’s boundaries are for our safety and good. Indeed, His boundary lines fall in pleasant places.”
“…our prayer life is so often asking God to fix our circumstances instead of our hearts.”
Oh, that my heart will always be tender and receptive to the Lord. To know that having such a heart brings joy to Him should be enough motivation for me. But many times, I have ignored Him.
When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad?
Ignoring the Lord: Too many to count: pursuing a relationship that ended in heartbreak; ignoring promptings to visit a dear patient and finding out the next day that he passed on; lying, instead of telling the truth, to save face when I was young and so foolish (stupid!). God has been merciful.
Thanking God that that are so many to count as well: Stopping by a friend’s house as prompted and finding out from her that she was just praying for God to send someone to bring her a word of encouragement; calling someone to “clear the air” between us and finding common ground to respect one another and stay as friends; I am learning to listen to nudges from the Lord.
Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?”
This proverb further says because the heart “…is the wellspring of life.” Our hearts dictate our thoughts and our actions and our words. “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Mark 7:21-23 also says, “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
I remember somebody using the acrostic, GIGO to stand for garbage in, garbage out. If we let “garbage” come to our hearts, it will come out as “garbage” in our actions and words.
I remember this Keith Green song: Create in me a clean heart (Psalm 51) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD2PJ0xbAdY
Love Keith Green.
What stands out to you from the above, and why? I got the devotional on Kindle. I’m glad that you are offering it to people who may not be able to participate because of the cost. I’m looking forward to listening to Paige’s teachings.
When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? I could fill library! Every time that I ignore the Lord, I suffer for it. When have you listened and been so glad? There was a time when I was trying very hard to get a loan, but things just kept falling through. Instead of going through one of those quick pay (high interest) payday loans which I really thought I needed, I sensed God telling me to wait. I am so glad that I did. My husband’s job situation totally changed and we were given a cash payout that I did not anticipate and it took care of the financial problem that we were facing.
Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?” Your heart is your true self. You can rationalize things in your mind, react based on your feelings/emotions or do things that give the appearance of good doing, but with the wrong motivation. You have to stop and examine your heart and make sure that you are doing everything with a pure heart.
Love your listening story, Dawn.
Dawn, it is so like the Lord to surprise us. This just reminded me of Dee’s book, The Jesus Who Surprises. Waiting on Him is hard at times but doesn’t He deliver more than we can ask or imagine?
Monday
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah.
One of the wives of Elkanah.
Had children.
She and her children were given portions of meat when Elkanah presented his sacrifice.
Taunted and made fun of Hannah because the Lord had kept her from having children.
She did this year after year as they went up to the Tabernacle, reducing Hannah to tears.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah?
Telling her Elkanah didn’t love her as much because she had no children.
That the Lord loved her more because she did have children.
On the way to the Tabernacle, reminding her that her portion of meat would be more and her tone being very condescending.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go throught this torment?
When Elkanah would give out potions of meat sacrificed.
Year after year.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way?
He asked her why she was crying and not eating, after all she had him, so no need to be downhearted about not having any children.
He seemed so insensitive to her hurting and made it about himself! He should of either kept his mouth shut or seek guidance during his time of sacrifice, asking God to give her children…it makes me think the yearly thing was just a ritual not from his heart.
Dawn so glad you heard and heeded God’s No in your situation. He truly does know what is best.
Looking forward to the study here preceding Lent, using Paul Tripp’s book, Dee. Just ordered it.
(I am on my second time through Dane Ortlund’s “Gentle and Lowly” ~ Absolutely lifegiving.)
I’ve missed being here for much of the past year and a half. I was listening to this old song by Nancy Honeytree last week and the lyrics reminded me of how we need each other. Honeytree was a pioneer in the Jesus People Music in the 70’s. The song is entitled “Sometimes I Need You”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebO4Ss3EVcc
The lyrics:
Sometimes I need you to be tough
Solid as a wall of stone
When my enemies gather outside
And I cannot fight them off alone
Let me hide behind the wall
So the arrows don’t get through to me
Like a fortress strong and tall
That’s what I need for you to be
Sometimes brother
Sometimes
Sometimes I need you to be sharper
Than a two edged sword
When my heart and mind lead me astray
And you know I cannot see the way
When I stumble and fall
And temptation makes a fool of me
Upon you I will call
Restore me in humility
And love, sister
Sweet love
Sometimes I need you to be tender
Soft as a baby’s skin
Warmer than a mother’s smile
When my fears attack me from within
When you hold me let me cry
So I know my tears get through to you
To sing a gentle lullaby
That’s all I need for you to do
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometimes I know its hard to tell
And its hard for me to tell you
Tough or tender I’ll try to remember
That you need me too
And I will do the same for you
Sometimes brother
Sometimes sweet sister
Sometimes
Oh Nila — so glad to have our musical sister back!
Nila, so good to see you back! And thank you for the song. I love Nancy Honeytree but I don’t think I heard this song before. I will need to listen.
Nila, I just listened to this song, and wow! I thought of some ladies who have been this kind of friend to me. So, I texted the link to them. I hope they will be encouraged as I have been. Thanks so much for sharing.
Welcome back, Nila!
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah.
She was one of two wives of Elkanah.
She had children.
She and her children were given sacrificial meat each year from Elkanah.
She was a bully to Hannah.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah?
By asking her questions like, “”what’s wrong with you?” Or “why don’t you ever get alone time with Elkanah?”
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go throught this torment?
Every year.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way?
He would ask her why she was so sad. He told her she should be happy that she had him!
Maybe he should have given her a little more of the meat to make her happy? Or, held her closely so Penninah could see how her cared for her.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Well, I’m glad Dee listened to Steve! 🙂
I’m going over 1 Samuel with our youth pastor’s wife. We meet every other Tuesday evening at a McDonald’s in-between where we both live. She’s young and very wise. Our intent is to watch this with Paige’s study though I haven’t had time in the mornings or at work to listen so I’ve only listened to the first two or three videos. It is an amazing study. I like the phrase, It’s the heart stupid. 🙂
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? I think for me, since there has been a lot of damage to my confidence and how I see myself as not being able to do anything right, I’ve developed a stutter and the inability to speak clearly but when I concentrate I can do it. Really weird, but God is delivering me from it as He helps me remember I am His princess and He is the lover of my soul. 🙂
When have you listened and been so glad?
I’m coming out of what I’ve shared above because I’m listening to God tell me that isn’t true and listening to Him as He speaks His word into my heart (In 1st Samuel right now) and remembering He loves me and understands what I’m going through (Hannah really helped me! She ran to God and didn’t let what others think about her become her god.)
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?” Because satan is a liar, an abuser, and his desire is for our demise inwardly via not pressing into God. I need to guard my heart but I can’t do it alone. I need His help! Our marriage counselor, in an individual session, relayed to me I’m in heavy warfare and satan is attacking me from all sides. I ‘have three heavy trials going on at once. All i can say is the joy God is giving me is Him-He’s my joy in the pain. My suffering isn’t unique for so many others are too. I’m so thankful that I’m so drawn to Him because of Him, that I miss Him when I’m not in His word-I don’t feel guilty, I feel a longing for Him and a sadness that I could ever not want to hear Him because He loves me so much, but that longing for Him is Him in me and me as responder because He’s brought me into the dance but more-so Him. My flesh stinks! But His fragrance is beautiful. Isn’t that wondrous? OH how wonderful He is!!!!
I didn’t know you ever stuttered — I look at you and think you should be so confident: wisdom, godliness, poise, and beauty!
Rebecca, yes to this! “She ran to God and didn’t let what others think about her become her god.” And that God is your joy in the pain with three heavy trials you are facing now. We do have a wonderful God and your testimony blesses my heart. It encourages me to turn to God first because we know He loves us so much.
Love that God is telling you things being said are not true at all. He loves us so much.
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah.
She was one of the 2 wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite. She had children. Elkanah would give her portions of meat along with her sons and daughters during a time of sacrifice. I was curious to know how often sacrifices were made and found out more about the yearly Day of Atonement and some “minor” ones as commitment, worship, and cleansing. O’Neal, Sam. “How Often Did People Offer Sacrifices in the Old Testament?” Learn Religions, Mar. 4, 2021, learnreligions.com/how-often-did-people-offer-sacrifices-in-the-old-testament-363169.
Peninnah provokes Hannah year after year because the latter did not have children and especially when she went to the house of the Lord to the point that Hannah would be weeping.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah?
Maybe Penninah reminds Hannah that she was not favored by God because He closed her womb. (Genesis 1:28, Deuteronomy 7:14) She might quote verses from the Pentateuch about the disfavor of the Lord because of this. She must parade her children before Hannah especially her sons. She must also tell Hannah that Elkanah does not love her because she does not have children for him. Basically what Hannah does not have and what Penninah does. Boasting, rubbing salt in Hannah’s wounds, etc. Like the friends of Job, perhaps in some ways. I have not listened to Paige’s sermons so I am just using my imagination.
Torment means, “cause to experience severe mental or physical suffering.” Hannah wept and did not eat. In some ways, Penninah, I think is tormented as well by her jealousy and meanness. I now wonder what happened to her and to her children.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go through this torment?
Year after year and when Hannah goes to the house of the Lord. It sounds like Penninah especially torments Hannah when the sacrifice for the Day of Atonement came. Perhaps more to insinuate that Hannah has some sin in her life keeping her from receiving the gift of children. Penninah is questioning Hannah’s God and wants Hannah to do the same.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way?
Elkanah sure can use some marriage counseling-I agree with Paige. He was not very sensitive to the heart of the matter for Hannah. It was as if he was all that should matter. Just because a husband gives you double portions does not mean that a wife would feel loved. Elkanah needed a lecture on love languages! He has totally missed the point.
1. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart.
Years ago, my husband, Richard, had internal bleeding. I have been concerned about him not feeling well for a time but he was brushing things off. So, when he woke me up one early morning, with an ashen face and told me what was going on, my heart feared. I got myself dressed and took him to the ER where the doctor said he needed to go to a bigger city in an ambulance. They let me ride in the ambulance; it was a struggle not to cry while sitting upfront. The driver was most kind to allow me to talk or be silent. Flashes of losing my husband, being a widow flew through my mind. I felt a dark cloud hovering over me during that sunny day. And to top it all, that very evening was our first induction ceremony for the Honor Society of which I was the advisor and did the planning for it. My director, Jim had come by the ER when he heard about Richard’s situation from me and offered to facilitate the induction but Richard was adamant that he was going to be okay. And the doctors did get the bleeding stopped and told me he was going to be okay.
Richard had me call his sister, Rebecca, and his mother, Evelyn to come and sit with him while I went back to do the ceremony. Talk about brain fog and going through the motion!
I do remember God bringing to mind many verses of peace and hope and His love for me and for Richard. I started thanking Him for in-laws who were as determined as my husband to let me fulfill my obligations. And God was very gracious to bring healing to Richard. During a time of desperation, God held my fragile heart with tenderness and words of peace. It was a deeply personal experience of God’s faithfulness. I believe that was an impetus start of faith growing in me and helping me nowadays as Richard and I face the pain, sorrows, and challenges of family and church ministry. God was, is, and will be faithful.
Love this Bing:
During a time of desperation, God held my fragile heart with tenderness and words of peace. It was a deeply personal experience of God’s faithfulness.
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8.
A. Find everything you can about Peninnah. She is married to Elkanah. She is not the only wife. She had children, both sons and daughters. She would accompany Elkanah to go worship and would bring all her children. She provoked Hannah (some versions use torment, embaress). As often as Hannah went to the house of the Lord Peninnah would provoke Hannah to tears.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah? I imagine she would make many sideways comments. Passive-aggressively talk about her. I also think that she probably would let Hannah become close to any of her own children? I don’t know if they all shared a household but if they did Penninah may have a habit of bringing her children away from Hannah or worse pitting them against her.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go through this torment? “So it went on year by year. As often as *she* went up to the house of the Lord, she would provoke her.” It is unclear to me if this means that Penninah would only torment Hannah once a year when they went on the family trip? Or because is says *she* if Hannah would go more often? So does it imply that Penninah only tormented her once a year? Paige implied it happened all the time.
D. How does Elkanah respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in a more helpful way? He responds to Hannah by declaring that he should be enough for her? In fact his love should be better then TEN sons. This shows a stark misunderstanding of her heart and invalidates her feelings. He could have “sat shiva” with her, listening, understanding, and praying with her for the desire of her heart. Of course declaring his love for her in the face of Penninah’s torment is good but it does seem like he is somewhat self-centered in his assurances – almost like he wants her to get over it so that he won’t have to tolerate her depression.
5. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart. The one that pops into my head (though daily He does this as I seek him in all kinds of frustrating situations…) is when my marriage went through the most difficult chapter. I wanted to quit and be done. I was desperate, not just about my marriage, but about myself, my life, my calling … I really felt at the end of me. I ugly cried out to God for days without really making any intelligible sense just a lot of “why” and “I can’t, God, I just can’t.” He used a pastor to change my view with one simple request and see Him in what was allowed. My circumstances didn’t necessarily change but my heart sure started to, still is … He is faithful to work in me…
Read Jill’s closing testimony — so good!
I have listened to all of Paige Brown’s sessions so far on 1 Samuel and have again been greatly blessed by her teaching.
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
This comment:
“Paige said that our prayer life is so often asking God to fix our circumstances instead of our hearts.” I have been guilty of this and have often observed it in prayer groups where instead of asking that God’s will be done we pray our own will and ask Him to bless it.
2. When have you ignored the Lord and suffered for it? When have you listened and been so glad?
When I have felt a discomfort about giving my opinion and thoughts on a spiritual matter but in feeling the need to be heard I went ahead and spoke when I should have remained quiet. It resulted in a rejection by the hearers. Primarily my husband and my family. When I listened to the Holy Spirit and remained quiet I have observed God move in his own ways to convince or resolve issues. His ways are far better than mine.
3. Why do you think Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your heart?
Because left to itself the heart is desperately sinful. The heart is naturally deceitful, prideful and self centered. We cannot trust our own hearts to lead us rightly. To “follow your heart” is a lie that is the Disney version of how to live life which is a selfish philosophy of seeking after whatever make me happy.
I loved that too Bev — fix my circumstances not my heart!
MONDAY 4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah.
I feel she had a cruel side to her. I don’t see her as a Leah who in a sense was a victim of her own circumstances and was not Jacob’s first choice in a wife but he was tricked into marrying her. Then he got the wife he had really wanted. Leah was unloved. But it would seem Penninah was not neglected and was well taken care of. She was probably jealous of Hannah as the favorite wife but in Jewish culture she had far greater status by having children and that is what she kept beating Hannah over the head with. She was rubbing it in that God had not given Hannah children.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah?
I could see her flaunting some of the particulars of being pregnant when she was expecting another child. I have seen some women draw attention to themselves through their kids. In group or public settings they can get excessively chatty and louder than necessary so everyone is aware of them and their kids. Perhaps she blatantly questioned Hannah’s spirituality because God seemed to be withholding favor by not giving her a child. Whatever it had to hurt big time.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go throught this torment?
Every year when they traveled up to Shilo to make sacrifices to God.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way?
He failed to listen to Hannah’s deeply hurt heart and tried to fix it by giving her things. He provided for her abundantly and thought that should be enough for her. She obviously didn’t have to give Elkanah children to please him but he needed to acknowledge her deep desire to have children and entered in to prayer with her. I think back to where Issac prayed for Rebecca because she was barren.
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart.
We went through a very painful time of division about 30 years ago in the church we were attending. We had actually been part of it being a church plant and helping start the church and watching God grow it from a Bible study (in our home) to having a new building and weekly attendance of over 200 in what is a small town. Out of desperate praying God spoke through an old pastor friend leading us clearly to leave that church. He changed our circumstances but the broken heart took some years to be accomplished. But God is faithful and did a healing work over time.
Monday: Desperate Heart
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah. – She was one of the wives of Elkanah; She had children; Elkanah would give her a portion of meat along with her children when he went to worship and sacrifice to the Lord; She was the rival of Elkanah’s other wife Hannah; She was prideful and would provoke Hannah when she could.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah? – The first thing that comes to my mind is she would probably parade her children in front of Hannah to make it well known that she had children when Hannah was not able to conceive. She may tell her that she is not worth anything without children.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go through this torment? – It happened year after year each time that Hannah went up to the house of the Lord.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way? – He asked her why she was so downhearted and weeping and why she would not eat. He thought that because she was married to him he was all she needed. There was no empathy on his part to try and understand how she felt seeing other women with children when she had none and wanted them. He could have told her he understood and prayed with her and to help her continue to trust in the Lord. He should have been the head of that household and told Peninnah to stop the torment and he should have continually prayed with Hannah and cried out to the Lord to hear her cry for children.
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart. – Oh, my biggest time of desperation goes back to when I was a single mom, struggling so bad for many years. I felt very close to the Lord though at times he seemed so far away. I cried many times because of despair, not knowing what I was going to do next, but when I turned to him with an open checkbook and continued to remind him of his promises to me, things started turning around. Money and food would come from others he chose to use to bless me. My work situation changed for the better and my relationships that I got in to were more equally yoked and were believers and they all tied in to where I am today. God heard my cries and he saw the struggle and he carried me through them all. Though I thought he was far away, he never left my side.
Such a testimony of his faithfulness, Julie.
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart.
I cried out to God when our second oldest wanted to quit high school (he was in 11th grade). I was so embarrassed and sad. He promised he would take the GED the next day. I could only see bad from this idea. I was DESPERATE. He answered through a young colleague who suggested I listen to Nancy Leigh Demoss (at the time). I turned her on (never heard of her before this) and wouldn’t you know I thought she was in my living room talking to me??? She said, “Is there something you have been holding on to that you need to let go of? Maybe you should give it to God. Let it go!” I knew God sent her to me! I let go and have NEVER looked back! He is my guide.
Laura, let it go! “I let it go and never looked back!” Awesome! Oh, how He loves when we have open hearts and open hands to let go of what we hold dear when all we need is Him.
Yes, Laura — Amen to Bing — what a great testimony!
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah. She was the least favored wife of Elkanah. She had children. She tormented Hannah for not having children.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah? Making snide remarks about Hannah’s barrenness. Calling attention to her children especially in their father’s presence.
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go through this torment? Continually, year after year.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way? He asks her if he doesn’t mean more to her than 10 sons. He could have shown a little more sympathy, and maybe prayed with her.
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart. sam
I’m watching the Paige Brown study before it’s gone.
I’m glad, Dawn!
6. Read Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10? She goes to the temple. She was deeply distressed and prayed to God. Bing’s comment above about Penninah probably pointing out Hannah’s sins as a cause for her infertility stuck out to me. Hannah may have been in deep distress not only because of not having children and the torment of her sister wife but perhaps she, like Job, was at troubled because she could not understand God’s “absence” in the face of her devotion. B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there? Thoughts? Hannah prays to God. She does not turn to Eli, the priest, nor seek out any other representative of the temple. She goes straight to God – Paige said something g about this being the first time in scripture that someone “prays” (?? Can’t remember exactly). She does not turn to the rituals of the almighty to manipulate her desires she turns to the almighty Himself to have Him – which we know because she goes away not sad anymore.
C. What is Hannah’s very first supplication in the opening words of verse 11? She vowed a vowed (not sure the exact meaning of this) and then asked God to look on his servant’s affliction and remember her and forget her not..
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why? I do, though I tend to forget it more times than I would like when I’m not actively seeking Him. Why? Because of His kisses. Because of His joy in pain, the peace He bestows in troublesome times. His answers to cries.
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise? She asks for a son (not just a child but a son). She promises that the son will serve him all the days of his life and no razor will touch his head.
Jill, Your comment reminded me that Paige Brown said
“Hannah is the first individual in the Bible that comes to God with nothing and no one. Just her and her needs and her God. Just her broken heart. “I think that is a powerful example for us.
Bev! Thank you for this quote – I remembered it was “first” of something… I, too, think it is powerful (and beautiful).
TUESDAY:
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
Out of her deep distress and weeping she prayed to the LORD.
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
She went to the Lord Who she knew ultimately had the power to answer her. She knew man couldn’t help her. Not even the High Priest. Even her own husband as good as he was to her didn’t understand the deepest need of her heart and no woman even if a very close friend could do for her what she needed. Out of her desperation she clearly saw it was only God.
C. What is Hannah’s very first suppication in the opening words of verse 11?
She asked God to consider her specific condition that was causing her to be barren and to over come it. She was pleading with Him to see and hear her need and remedy it
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
Yes, I do because it has been my experience over the years that when I have laid my hearts needs before Him in prayer He has heard me and faithfully answered me.
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise?
Hannah asked specifically for a son who she would give back to God to serve God for all of his life. I find it interesting she referred to herself as the Lord’s servant. She had humility before God. She didn’t come demanding from Him or in anyway accusing Him. In her desperation she saw God as worthy even as a barren woman. She didn’t let her own heartache and shame diminish Who her God was. I would suggest American Christians, myself included are way too flip with Who God is. We fail to recognize the holiness and power of the God we serve.
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
Eli failed to see a truly broken and contrite heart and just thought she was a drunken woman. So he just chastised her and told her she needed to shape up. Sadly he was not in tune to the true needs around him. His heart was as you said lacking discernment and was not compassionate for the people. But God was and again we don’t need a man to go before God for us.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way?
She was transparent about the true condition of her heart and corrected his thinking.
H. How does Eli respond?
He at least recognized the truth of her situation and appropriately used his position as High Priest to pronounce a blessing on her.
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first?
At this age to the Lord but I have been slow to learn that is the best thing to do. Much of my life I have looked to someone else first like my husband who often was just like Elkanah. And often I would confide in and take my lament to a friend. Over the years I have come to have only two women who I trust completely with the deepest secrets of my heart and I only go to them when God allows me to. God slowly and graciously has shown me that He alone is Who I need and He is all I need. I am so very grateful to Him for that.
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond?
Yes, there has been a wayward family member who is very close to my heart and there have been tears and prayers. Recently I am seeing the Holy Spirit move in answer to prayer and am encouraged God is working and will complete his rescuing work. I am experiencing peace in my heart again.
Bev — smiled to say “at this age I have been slow to do…” I feel that way so often!
Monday
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart.
In a past church it was becoming hard to be under the leadership of our pastor. We didn’t know what was going on his life and we asked the Lord for wisdom in what to do and just started praying scripture over our pastor. Through the Lord’s strength our hearts changed, but the circumstances in the church did not. It came out later that he was having an affair with the church secretary and things that had been happening were making sense to us. The great thing was through our desperate prayers for him, God prepared us to have compassion and grace in the whole situation. The secretary was a close friend of mine and I felt very betrayed at first but in that relationship God gave me forgiveness and love for her and brought restoration. There were so many layers to this situation that I felt the Lord’s guidance in praying from the beginning was the only and best thing we could of done to prepare us for the outcome.
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
She goes to the tabernacle to pray. She prays bitterly.
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
Hannah goes to the Lord she does not consult the priest. Maybe she didn’t trust the priest? Maybe she didn’t respect him?
C. What is Hannah’s very first suppication in the opening words of verse 11?
She asks the Lord for a baby.
Tuesday
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
She gets up to pray after the sacrificial meal.
Deep in anguish and crying bitterly she prays to the Lord.
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
She goes to the Lord.
She doesn’t go to Eli, the priest.
She recognized the source of who could meet her need…honestly approaching the Lord with her bitterness and crying.
C. What is Hannah’s very first suppication in the opening words of verse 11?
She made a vow, a promise to the Lord of heavens armies (He could protect her from her rivals attacks) and asks Him to look upon her sorrow.
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
Not all the time as I lose heart in prayer requests that I’ve prayed many years and don’t feel He sees or hears me!
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise?
She asks Him to answer her prayer and give her a son.
Her promise is she’ll raise him to be a Nazarite and give him back to the Lord to serve Him for his entire life.
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
He thinks she has been drinking seeing that her lips are moving but there’s no sound. He says, must you come here drunk…throw away your wine.
I would say that he probably saw many people come to the temple drunk and it says a lot about his leadership as a priest and what went on in the temple…his heart was not right or in tune with God.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way?
She adamantly declares she isn’t drunk but discouraged and pouring her heart out to God. She asks him not to think of her as a wicked woman.
H. How does Eli respond?
In that case, go in peace. May the God of Israel grant your request.
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first?
I tend to go to my husband and even my daughter first.
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond?
Yes, my loved ones who are lost or not walking with the Lord.
I will continue to respond in praying for them and asking God for wisdom in what to say or not say.
Love your honesty, Sharon.
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
She prayed to the Lord while weeping bitterly and made a vow.
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
To God and not to Eli, the priest. Perhaps, she knows that the only person to go to at this desperate time is God. Or she might not consider Eli as somebody she could trust or could do something about her situation. Or that he might think it was a foolish thing to say such a prayer.
C. What is Hannah’s very first supplication in the opening words of verse 11?
That if the Lord looks on her misery and to remember her.
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
Yes, He is El Roi, the God who sees. This brings back Nicole Mullen’s song, The God Who Sees. His Word says,” For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love… Psalm 33:18
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise?
For the Lord to give her a son, and that she will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
He was quick to judge and must have a heart that looks on the outside of a person. “AS a man thinks, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7 Out of his heart of judgment comes the words of judgment.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way?
She addressed him as lord and expressed herself as deeply troubled and praying out of anguish and grief.
H. How does Eli respond?
Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first?
Sometimes I go inward and ruminate over what-ifs. Then I may go to my husband or a very dear friend and prayer partner. But I have been learning to go to God first by praying to Him and reading His Word.
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond?
There seems to be a very strong spiritual battle going on in the hearts of many people we love and minister to (family and church). I either want to fix their circumstances or fix them. I know it sounds foolish and impossible. But again, I am learning to let go and let God take control.
I have seen construction sites marked “completed as promised”. And these were promised by human beings! There is no comparison to our Great Promise Keeper and what He has started He will complete. I have to trust His Word so desperate times will be times to depend on Him. Philippians 1:6
Bing — I’m so looking forward to being with you in person in Manhattan! You must sit with me at meal!
Dee, I am, too! So happy those dates were open for me and Manhattan is only 3 hours away from us! Yes, I will look for you for sure and sit with you at meal.
I am sad I can’t make it to this one….
I am interested in joining you for the Lent devotional with Paul David Tripp.
So glad, Liz!
I want to be here for this study so badly. My heart yearns for this. Thank you.
We will be so glad to have you, Missy!
6. D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
Yes! I believe because He sometimes answers me in pretty short timing.
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise?
She asks the Lord to look upon her first, and then give her a baby. I think I jumped to the baby part in the prior question. She then says she will give the baby back to God forever. He will never have a haircut.
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
He thinks she is drunk on wine. He doesn’t really believe that someone would come to pray to God. He doesn’t believe.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way?
She answers that she isn’t drunk but rather, praying. She says she is in anguish.
H. How does Eli respond?
He tells her to go in peace and blesses her by asking “the God of Israel” to answer her prayer.
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first?
I used to go to my mother first. She has passed. I try to go to God first now, but sometimes I forget and go to my husband or a friend.
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond?
Yes. I’m going to ramp up prayers for the people I am desperate about right now. It’s their salvation that worries me.
Patti shared on our Facebook page that her very healthy brother collapsed and died suddenly. Please pray for his wife, Barbara, their two children, and Patti too, who was close to him.
4. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8
A. Find everything you can about Penninah. She was able to have children, wasn’t cherished by her husband, and it seems she was jealous of Hannah because Elkanah loved her more.
B. What are some ways you might imagine Penninah tormenting Hannah? Using the fact that she can’t have children as a weapon to hurt her. She probably told her she is wasting her time going to the house of the Lord because God has closed her womb. Maybe she told her she should just accept it as punishment from God. I think Penninah didn’t want God to bless Hannah because she was in pain from Elkanah not loving her. I think she wanted Hannah to remain in pain as a balm to soothe hers. It’s horrible, our flesh!!
C. How often, according to verses 5 and 7, did Hannah go through this torment? Every time she went to the temple.
D. Paige said Elkanah could have used some marriage counseling. How does he respond to Hannah, and how might he have responded in more helpful way? Ugh..he was more concerned about himself. Out of his insecurity he was thinking of himself, not her. Maybe he could have stepped in her shoes and showed empathy.
5. Paige said it is right to have a desperate heart, for desperate hearts become dependent hearts. Share a time when you were desperate and turned to the Lord and how He either changed the circumstance or changed your heart. Oh, wow..well just about every day or at least a day a week. He hasn’t changed any of the hard things in my life for years but He is changing my heart. I’ve been convicted in my heart attitude when I just answered question 4D above! It roused my heart to anger and that is a red flag! I think I’ve grown weary of that kind of attitude and can relate to Hannah and Penninah just a smidge. They have gone through worse circumstances than I though and many of you here on this blog and around the world! Pray for me, I don’t want a seed of anger to sprout in me at all. I’ve seen how it can ravage a person and I want to be ravaged by Jesus, not anger.
You are in a hard and tempting situation — so good to be aware of how a root of bitterness can destroy. Be so good to see you in Kansas soon!
9. Thoughts on the above?My first thought was in that the Christian life is a walk of faith. God’s ways are not our ways. Then as I looked back to my notes from Paige’s teaching on Hannah’s desperate heart I was reminded of the very meaningful teaching she gave. Talking about Hannah’s Supplication Paige said the Lord is our refuge and Hannah went to the Lord to fall apart. A few comments from Paige that I jotted down.
(Faith is not the strength of our hearts. Faith is the collapsing of our hearts. Hannah is the first individual in the Bible that comes to God with nothing and no one. Just her and her needs and her God. Just her broken heart. We live in a culture of covering up, not collapsing m. Biblical faith is demonstrated in desperate situations. Prayer is a holding on with your heart to God. The progress of Hannah’s faith is she takes all of it to Him. )
I love that statement she said “Prayer is a holding on with your heart to God,”
10. Read 1 Samuel 1:18-19
A. As Hannah leaves, does she know that God will give her a son? Explain.
I believe she knew in her heart. At that point for her it was all about God. Also it has been my own experience that after my pleading when God gives me a very real peace of heart it seems at that point settled. I would suggest at that point Hannah was given a very real sense of peace. She knew in her heart she had been heard by her LORD.
B. When He does give her a son, how does she respond?
Verse 20……She called his name Samuel, for she said “I have asked for him from the LORD.”
11. Where are you reluctant to sacrifice something to the Lord? Pray about it here!
Hmmmm? Need to meditate on that one and yes then pray about it.
12. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-27
A. What happens in this passage?
Hannah carries through on her commitment to give Samuel back to God after he is weaned. It was done with sacrifice and worship.
B. Our actions reveal our hearts. How does Hannah’s sacrifice demonstrate a delivered heart?
It’s her reverence for Who God is that stands out to me as the motivation from her heart to give her son back to God with out reservation. She had bared her soul to God and unashamedly laid her desperate heart at His feet and she knew full well it was that the LORD of Hosts Who had answered her. Knowing Him freed her to have a delivered heart.
Wednesday
As Hannah leaves, though Eli has added his request to hers, she does not know if God will say yes or no. Our hearts must no depend on our circumstances but on who we know God is. I believe Christians may actually suffer more than non-Christians for as Joni says, He is not so much interested in making us healthy, wealthy, or even happy — though it pleases Him to do so — but in making us holy.
9. Thoughts on the above?
These verses came to my mind…“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. I will rescue you for my sake— yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols!”
Isaiah 48:10-11
10. Read 1 Samuel 1:18-19
A. As Hannah leaves, does she know that God will give her a son? Explain.
I think she took in faith that God would give her a son by her countenance of no longer being sad.
B. When He does give her a son, how does she respond?
The Lord has given me a son.
11. Where are you reluctant to sacrifice something to the Lord? Pray about it here!
My time.
12. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-27
A. What happens in this passage?
Before giving Samuel to the Lord she weans him. Then takes him up to the Tabernacle, offers a sacrifice and tells Eli this is the boy she prayed for and God granted her request.
B. Our actions reveal our hearts. How does Hannah’s sacrifice demonstrate a delivered heart?
She made a vow to the Lord and she delivered upon that vow…obedience.
Love Paige’s study in I Samuel. Looking forward to the Journey to the Cross!
Welcome Sharon — glad to have you!
Welcome, Sharon!
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verse 14? What might this tell you about his heart? He thinks that Hannah is drunk and does not see the true suffering in her spirit. I think that he himself was so selfish and caught up in his own ways that he could no longer have sympathy and compassion on others. I see this in many – our response to others sorrow or joy reveals our true heart center.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way? She tells him the truth. She explains her true motive for being at the temple before the Lord.
H. How does Eli respond? Eli asked God to bless her and grant her request (but he did not know the request).
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first? My first thought is always to cry out to Jesus … but then when I put my feet forward I tend to default to my own strength to “make things better.”
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond? Yes, there is. I cry out to the Lord about this all the time – but in expectation for Him to change something (someone). I frankly … sigh … tend to ignore the part of pouring myself out in service in order to reflect Him. I just keep waiting for Him to change things … I take encouragement that He is showing me this – before I wouldn’t have noticed my selfishness. Now He is whittling away bit by bit, seeing in order to obey. It is a hard leap to jump into selflessness.
9. Thoughts on the above? I have actually wondered the same as Joni. My theology may be thawed but it seems like the more He becomes “enough” for us the more things become stripped away SO THAT we reflect Him more and more. Not that our suffering is “less” but that we lean hard on Him during suffering and this is a reflection of Him. Severe Mercies ….
10. Read 1 Samuel 1:18-19
A. As Hannah leaves, does she know that God will give her a son? Explain. I do not think she does know for her parting words are, ” Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” I think this reveals that she is still *hoping* that she will get a son but does not know what God will actually do.
B. When He does give her a son, how does she respond? She acknowledges that He heard her. “I have asked for him from the Lord.” It is not recorded that she went to Penninah to show off. However, I do sense some hesitancy in her giving Samuel back to God (this may just be my own mother’s heart).
Severe mercies — makes me think you may have read A Severe Mercy?
Indeed, Dee, I have – on your recommendation. =) It was so very good. I wept.
Jill, these words so struck me: but it seems like the more He becomes “enough” for us the more things become stripped away SO THAT we reflect Him more and more. Not that our suffering is “less” but that we lean hard on Him during suffering and this is a reflection of Him. Severe Mercies ….” What an upside-down kingdom way of looking at the result of our seeming sacrifice! We receive the best thing-reflecting Jesus.
Hi! Looking forward to Lent! Thank you for doing this.
Welcome, Brynn!
Hello, Brynn E! Glad you are joining us.
Hi, friend! =)
As Hannah leaves, though Eli has added his request to hers, she does not know if God will say yes or no. Our hearts must not depend on our circumstances but on who we know God is. I believe Christians may actually suffer more than non-Christians for as Joni says, He is not so much interested in making us healthy, wealthy, or even happy — though it pleases Him to do so — but in making us holy.
9. Thoughts on the above?
I agree, Dee. I have found that I treasure more having experienced God amidst trying circumstances rather than having my prayers answered for health, wealth, and happiness. I oftentimes feel wealthier, healthier, and happier spiritually even if not literally! And wealth, health, and happiness take a lesser priority and are seen in their proper place-gifts from God.
10. Read 1 Samuel 1:18-19
A. As Hannah leaves, does she know that God will give her a son? Explain.
Hmm..on one hand, I believe Hannah thought so as her attitude turned from desperation to one of expectant peaceful joy (she ate and her face was no longer downcast). Although part of me also thinks she has determined in her heart that comes what may God will answer her prayer in one form or another.
B. When He does give her a son, how does she respond?
She named him Samuel because she asked the Lord for him. She gave glory to God and not to anyone else.
Paige told a story about her husband wanting her to give him some of her Starbucks mocha, one she had waited in line for a long time. She withdrew. He said, “What — you’ve given me your life — your children! She said, “And that should be enough!”
She said we are crazy like that — we’ve given God our hearts, but want to hold back o entertainment, sex life, money…
11. Where are you reluctant to sacrifice something to the Lord? Pray about it here!
Lord, thank you for the reminder of having a full-fledged commitment to you through the life of Hannah. 30 years ago, I stitched that verse for Ruth and I did not really live up to my commitment to let go of her and give her to you. Outwardly and verbally, I went through the motion believing and telling myself that yes, I have 100” committed her to you. I have been halfhearted and have questioned you in my heart Now, I am faced with the reality that I am not. Yet, you have not given up on me and today, you have opened my eyes to the deceiving work of the enemy. I have believed his lies and it has greatly influenced how I relate to her. It is no wonder that she has questioned faith and wondered about your love for her.
My relationship with her is just the tip of the iceberg. Other relationships have followed-my husband, close friends, and also my work relationships and my students. Forgive me, Lord. And thank you for not giving up on me.
May I have a delivered heart, a willingness to let go 100%. For who alone is a faithful God who will complete what He has started (Philippians 1:6)? Who is one who is sovereign and whose hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear… Isaiah 59:1
12. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-27
A. What happens in this passage?
B. Our actions reveal our hearts. How does Hannah’s sacrifice demonstrate a delivered heart?
She acknowledged that what she had was from God. In time, she was delivered from wanting a gift to pursuing the Giver.
Such a good prayer from Bing:
May I have a delivered heart, a willingness to let go 100%. For who alone is a faithful God who will complete what He has started (Philippians 1:6)? Who is one who is sovereign and whose hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear… Isaiah 59:1
6. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17
A. What does Hannah do in verses 9-10?
She gets up and in her anguish prays to the Lord while deeply weeping
B. To whom does Hannah go? To whom does she not go, though he is sitting right there. Thoughts?
She goes to the Lord but not to Eli. She is dependent on the Lord, not on Eli or she would have gone to Eli first. She’s taking her pain to the Lord first. Eli knows of her anguish, but she doesn’t confide in him. Knowing about and confiding in are vastly different. One is informative and the other is trusting with.
C. What is Hannah’s very first supplication in the opening words of verse 11?
That God would see her and not forget her.
D. Do you believe with all your heart that the Lord sees you? Why?
Yes I do. For God to have come in flesh, lower himself, experience the pain we do and then die for me and rise for me so that I can have new life in Him. It’s hard to think that He doesn’t see me, yet there are times in my flesh I don’t think He does. It’s so easy when I feel this way to back away from Him, but Hannah pressed into Him. She must have felt forgotten at times or she wouldn’t have asked God not to forget her. The encouragement is that she asked God instead of withdrawing.
E. What is the rest of her supplication and what is her promise? If God would give her a son she would give him to God for the rest of his life.
F. How does Eli show a lack of discernment in verses 14? What might this tell you about his heart?
He knew she was in anguish but didn’t truly get it. In the middle of her anguish he claimed she was drunk-whoa. His heart was cold toward the Lord while hers was hot.
G. How does Hannah stand up to the priest in a respectful but firm way? She said she isn’t a drunk woman, rather she is pouring out her soul to the Lord. She addressed him, stated her condition and then let him know she was doing the complete opposite of what he thought.
H. How does Eli respond? He responds not in a defensive posture but in an understanding way and desires for the Lord to grant her her desire.
7. When you are desperate, where do you tend to go first? My mom or sister in law first and then to the Lord. Ugh.
8. Is there an area right now that gives you a desperate heart? How will you respond? Yes. I’m going to the Lord first.
Great insight:
She must have felt forgotten at times or she wouldn’t have asked God not to forget her. The encouragement is that she asked God instead of withdrawing.
13. Read Hannah’s song in its entirety in 1 Samuel 1:2-10.
A. What does her heart rejoice in — and what is not mentioned?
Her heart rejoices in the Lord and she has not mentioned anybody else. She has not mentioned the gift that she asked for! She recounted the faithfulness of God and gave Him all the glory.
B. How does she describe the Lord?
Holy, The Rock, the One who knows, the one who brings death and life, who sends poverty and wealth, humbles and exalts. The one who raises the poor and needy seats them with princes, and inherits a throne of honor. Who owns the foundations of the earth, guards the feet of his faithful servants, the judge, and the strength giver, and exalts the horn of his anointed.
C. What reversals does she exalt in — find them.
Those who stumbled are armed with strength; Those hungry will be no more; She who was barren has 7 children (signifies complete in a sense that she gets the best of God’s regardless of number, satisfied, and after Samuel, she had 5 more); Those who has had many sons pines away; those who are poor and needy are seated with princes and inherit a throne of honor.
Paige said that she is not rejoicing in her new circumstances but in the Lord. For no matter how shaky our circumstances, our God is unshakeable.
In fact, Hebrews tells us that God make shake our world to show us Who is unshakeable.
14. Share a time when God shook your world, but also showed you He was unshakeable.
My Dad was diagnosed with a mental illness that went on for many years. Seeing my Mom struggle to make ends meet and to send us to college (our culture values higher education) rattled my faith. My Dad died 2 months before Richard and I got married. He left my Mom a widow with very little resources and I left for the U.S. 2 months later. I went through those years not shedding tears so I can be strong for my Mom and my siblings. One night when Richard and I were turning in for the night, I just burst into tears and cried on Richard’s shoulders realizing I was fatherless then and thousands of miles away from my family. I was very much shaken by the reality and I missed my family very much.
Richard reminded me that God will be my eternal Father and I need not fear. After that, God made me realize that besides Him, He has given me a kind and generous earthly father in my father-in-law, Ralph. As I now look back, I am in awe of how He has provided for me and my family through the years. Some things are just too personal to share but suffice to say that He is indeed faithful and trustworthy.
Bing, your story in how God provided and became your Father so touched me…He is faithful! Hugs sweet lady, hugs!
Beautiful Testimony Bing!
Thursday/Friday
13. Read Hannah’s song in its entirety in 1 Samuel 2:2-10.
A. What does her heart rejoice in — and what is not mentioned?
Her heart rejoices in the Lord because He rescued her.
Peninnah’s treatment of her isn’t “directly” mentioned or Elkanah. The son He gave her isn’t mentioned either.
B. How does she describe the Lord?
Holy, No one besides Him, No Rock like Him, knows what you have done, Judger of actions, Sovereign, Protecter.
C. What reversals does she exalt in — find them.
Bow of the mighty…now broken.
Those who stumbled…now strong.
Those well fed…now starving.
The childless…now have 7 children.
Woman with many children…now waste away.
Brings some down…raises others up.
Makes some poor…others rich.
Brings some down…lifts others up.
Lifts poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump…sets them among princes, places them in place of honor.
He protects His faithful ones…the wicked will disappear in darkness, none will succeed by strength alone.
Fight against the Lord… they’ll be shattered, He thunders against then from heaven, judges throughout the earth.
Gives power to His king.
Increases the strength of His anointed ones.
Good list of reversals!
A. What does her heart rejoice in — and what is not mentioned?
Her hearts rejoices in the LORD. She speaks of Him over and over of what He does for the needy. What is not mentioned is lost on me?? Guess I’m just a little dull this morning
B. How does she describe the Lord?
Holy, a rock, a God of knowledge.
C. What reversals does she exalt in — find them.
-The bows of the mighty are broken and the feeble bind on strength.
-The full seek for work to buy bread and the hungry have ceased being hungry.
-The barren woman now has 7 children and the woman with many is forlorn.
-God brings some down to death and others are raised up.
-He makes some poor and others rich
-be brings low and exults.
-He raises up the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap and makes them sit with princes and have a seat of honor. -He will guard the feet of his faithful ones but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness.
-The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces and He will judge the earth and give strength to his King.
14. Share a time when God shook your world, but also showed you He was unshakeable.
A number of years ago my husband’s only sister whom we were very close with literally dropped dead at age 40. She had a heart problem no one knew about including her. She was planning to be remarried soon after losing her husband in a car crash 5 years earlier. She had 3 children and we were the guardians. It was a long hard road for numerous reasons but we look back and see how we experienced the faithfulness of God to us through His own people and in our dark days of hard decisions.
15. Read the Song again. What becomes radioactive to you and why?
“…there is no rock like our God.” As I remember the hard days from my previous answer and consider many other trials I’ve had in the ensuing years I can say that God has been my rock. He alone is the one sure thing in my life that remains steadfast and brings security to my heart in troubled times.
16. What similarities do you see in Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55? Thoughts?
There is praise for God who is exalted and holy. He lifts up the humble and people of low estate (people who are not prominently by this world’s standard). But he gives them place. He provides strength to the weak and brings down the strong, fills the hungry and sends the rich away empty.
I have learned from Paige Brown’s teaching on 1 Samuel the truths about reversals in these songs. God changes things from what the world views as successful.
Sorry if I am jumping ahead here but in yesterday’s teaching on David she points out that all through the Bible God’s hero’s have humble beginnings and are the least likely to succeed or even be greatly used by Him. People the world would not count worthy or be considered strong enough to be of value. But God in reserving all glory to himself shows up in each life holy, powerful, strong and glorified for what is accomplished. The ultimate example is Jesus Christ the man. That brings great encouragement to each of us personally of Gods power to use us in our weaknesses for his glory. We really have nothing to offer Him. He has everything to offer us. I am blessed by that reality.
Oh, I’m remembering you took those 3 children. How old were they? How are they doing today?
Thanks for asking Dee. The kids were 17, 15 and 11. We were living in western Nebraska at the time about 200 miles from our home town. The oldest, a daughter, stayed with my husband’s parents so she could graduate with her high school class. The boys were with us but we moved back to our hometown about a year later. You are part of that story. I did not want to move back and leave the circle of Christian friends I had at the time. I attended a Woman’s Retreat in McCook, NE on your book “Friendships of Women”. At that conference God spoke to my heart clearly that I needed to submit to His will in moving back home and trust him for the right friendships I would need. He gave me a close friend who has been a wonderful prayer partner and confidant in my life for over 30 years now.
Today the kids are all married with children of their own. The two oldest are committed Christians doing very well and have quality spouses and stable children. The youngest son had significant struggles but seems now to be more settled in life. We have seen God answer prayer in significant ways and be completely faithful to us in spite of us.
12. Read 1 Samuel 1:21-27
A. What happens in this passage?
Elkanah went for the traditional sacrifice of the year and asked Hannah to go. She said she wanted to want until the boy, Samuel, was weaned. When he was weaned she took him to the tabernacle and asked Eli if he remembered her. She reminded him that she asked for the boy and promised she would give him to the Lord.
B. Our actions reveal our hearts. How does Hannah’s sacrifice demonstrate a delivered heart?
She made a promise and kept it. She throughly, was committed to the Lord.
Thoroughly….stupid autocorrect!
And that was such a big promise to keep!
13. Read Hannah’s song in its entirety in 1 Samuel 1:2-10.
A. What does her heart rejoice in — and what is not mentioned?
She rejoices in the Lord. She rejoices because she was rescued. She doesn’t mention Eli.
B. How does she describe the Lord?
He is holy, like a rock, a judge, the earth belongs to Him, He has set the earth in order.
C. What reversals does she exalt in — find them.
He is death and life, He brings some up and others down. Those who have stumbled now stand strong, well fed are starving, starving are now well fed, childless have children, and those who have children are now childless, some go to the grave and others are lifted up, He makes some poor and others rich, He lifts some from being poor and others from being needy setting them as princes.
Thursday/Friday
14. Share a time when God shook your world, but also showed you He was unshakeable.
The 2 biggest times in my life was the loss of our son and hurricane Florence destroying our home. God taught me so much during these times of suffering and the best way I can put it is…He wrapped His arms around me and held me tight. He is Sovereign and Faithful and I can’t imagine going through anything without Him! He is my Rock!
Thursday/Friday
15. Read the Song again. What becomes radioactive to you and why?
Her knowledge of the character of God. This didn’t come overnight but rather a relationship that was cultivated over the years.
16. What similarities do you see in Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55? Thoughts?
Their rejoicing in the Lord.
His character of holiness.
Bringing down and lifting up.
Contrast of poor/hungry and rich.
They both had an intimate relationship with the Lord and knew He was sovereign over all circumstances and people. I love too of their rejoicing in the Lord. Reminds me of Paul’s response when he was in prison…”rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.” God is faithful no matter our circumstances and our response should be “rejoice in Him.”
We watched you go through that Hurricane Florence. I was impressed at your calm!
14. Share a time when God shook your world, but also showed you He was unshakeable.
Our world was shaken when we realized we needed to take charge of our grandkids about 6 years ago. You were all present for that! He has been faithful to us. We are blessed.
15. Read the Song again. What becomes radioactive to you and why?
Hannah’s faithfulness to God stands out to me. She is steadfast and strong. It is encouraging. We have a couple of God-fearing women running for our local school board, and they are getting hammered from crazy people because they are Christians. People calling them names like homophobe and such. It’s horrible. I am sad that our country feels it’s appropriate to treat each other this way. They are also being threatened. I will remind them of Hannah and her faithfulness to Him.
16. What similarities do you see in Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55? Thoughts?
They both are given a son. They both exalt the Lord. They have the reversals too. It’s interesting that they both chose a song to express themselves.
That sure would have shaken my world. You have done so well trusting Him.
Has it been 6 years already? The Lord is indeed faithful!
15. Read the Song again. What becomes radioactive to you and why?
He will guard the feet of his faithful servants. V. 9 and it is not by strength that one prevails 9b
The start of 2022 ushered in a flurry of responsibilities that has threatened to overwhelm me at times. This verse reminded me that God will guard my feet. There have been times that He has prompted me to change course and I am glad that I have obeyed and depended on Him either during times of strength or no strength. I find that God has a way of redeeming my time, effort, and resources when I seek Him first.
16. What similarities do you see in Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55? Thoughts?
Mary’s song shares the same of honoring God for who He is. And for reversals: brought down rulers from their thrones, lifted up the humble; sent the rich away empty but filled the hungry with good things.
Mary: My soul glorifies the Lord. (Mary’s Magnificat); Hannah: My heart rejoices in the Lord (Hannah’s Magnificat) Perhaps, we can come up with our own personal Magnificat! I should look up Eugene Peterson’s Message on these 2 songs.
Saturday
17. How might you apply this personally to your life?
To guard my heart and to encourage it at times of desperation to move it to one of dependency on God, to be confident of His deliverance, and to delight in Him whatever the outcome.
Lord, may I guard my heart always for it is the wellspring of life. In times of desperation, help me depend on you, be confident that Your deliverance is forthcoming. May your deliverance in whatever form it comes as be a source of my delighting in you knowing that You are life and the Giver of all good things.
I’m excited for the Journey for Lent series.