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July 13th, 2023
Scripture
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. – 1 Samuel 2:8 NLT
Devotion
The first and second chapters of 1 Samuel tell the story of Hannah. Chapter 1 tells us that Hannah prayed to God with “deep anguish” while “crying bitterly.” She vowed that if God would give her a son, she would give him back to the LORD. When the priest Eli found out about her prayer he said, “Go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of Him,” and Hannah did find peace in his words and was no longer sad. And the LORD did grant her request and she gave birth to Samuel.
Chapter 2 records a second prayer Hannah prayed after she had given Samuel back to God at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. It is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. Its main proclamation is, “There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” The earth is the LORD’s and He has the power to lift up those who are faithful to Him and He has the power to bring down the wicked and proud.
Our verse for today is part of Hannah’s second prayer. Just as the LORD lifted Hannah up from her sadness and shame to a place of rejoicing and strength, so likewise He can lift the poor and needy from the dust to a place of honor. The contrast could not be greater. The poor can move all the way from the garbage dump (other translations say “dunghill”) to a position held by princes.
Perhaps you feel today like you’ve been cast down into the dust and have been thrown into the garbage dump. You have prayed to the LORD with deep anguish while crying bitterly. Go in peace! The LORD has heard the request you have asked of Him. One day, just like Hannah, He will fill your heart with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving because of the great things He has done for you.
Inspirational Image of the Day
