A Song of Thanksgiving

At age forty-three, I finally understood 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “in everything give thanks.” My epiphany came during a painful time of anger, hurt, and loneliness. In my grief, I demanded answers from God. And, as our patient Heavenly Father so often does, He responded. Writhing in agony, I heard Job 1:21: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 

After hearing that verse, my transformation was immediate, and that night, instead of my usual angry outbursts that my mother had died, I began to shout for joy that she had lived.

In that moment, I trusted a God I did not yet know intimately, and before I knew it, I was giving thanks in the throes of despair. I felt the Lord’s love and compassion as I repeatedly thanked Him for the precious time my mother and I had together. My life and faith journey would never be the same. 

Giving thanks in loss or challenging circumstances may seem impossible, yet Hannah modeled how to give thanks and praise the Lord when life seems unfair. In doing so, she gifted us a Song of Thanksgiving. We meet this faithful woman of God  in 1 Samuel 1:2 with these words: “but Hannah had no children.”

If you recall, in Hannah’s story, her husband, Elkanah, had another wife named Peninnah, who bore him children. This second wife taunted an already bereft Hannah, who carried the shame and emptiness of not being a mother. Even her husband, perhaps unintentionally, discounted her grief. 1 Samuel 1:8 records his words, “Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

As wonderful as marriage may be, nothing can take the place of a child, especially in biblical times. Children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). In Genesis 1:28, God commands us to be fruitful and multiply. For women, whether in antiquity or today, not bearing children is a heavy burden. 

So on an annual visit to the house of the Lord in Shiloh, Hannah prayed so fervently that the priest assumed she was drunk with wine. She prayed for the Lord to remember her and give her a son, then she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life. (1 Samuel 1:11). 

Can you imagine petitioning the Lord for the one thing you cherish most, only to receive it and have to part ways?

That is Hannah’s story. The Lord remembered her, and she gave birth to a son whom she named  Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:20).

This loving mother had approximately two to five years to love, bond with, nurse, and care for her son. Then, as promised, she would dedicate him to the Lord after weaning him.

Every time I read Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel 1:26-28, I weep. For one, I am not a mother, and it pains my heart as I picture a lively little boy full of energy, perhaps chasing rabbits or joyfully squealing at the sight of a fresh-caught, wiggly fish. I imagine him hanging onto his mother’s dress when he is cranky because it is an hour past his normal nap time. Then I envision Hannah kneeling to speak softly to him at eye level, telling him he will be living with Eli, the priest. Yes, I cry uncontrollably. 

I know Hannah’s pain of an empty womb. Tears fill my eyes even now as I ask myself if I would have the courage and faith to leave my little guy behind. But I remember Job 1:21 and know that everything belongs to the Lord; even a young Samuel, who was only a boy when Hannah dedicated him to the Lord and put him under the care and tutelage of Eli.

In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, we read Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving. In it, she praises a just and sovereign God, and she gives thanks for a son who does not live in her house under her watchful eye. The song is beautiful and a testament to God’s greatness.

Although he lives in the temple, she still mothers and cares for him. On annual visits to Shiloh, she brings him a new cloak, which we can suppose she made by hand, with love, ensuring each stitch was just right. 

Hannah’s fervor and faithfulness are a blueprint for how we should respond when facing hard things. Instead of lashing out at God about her perils, she prayed and remained faithful. God blessed her beyond measure. The son she fervently prayed for would become the prophet Samuel, who anointed Saul and David as kings over Israel.

Elkanah and Hannah’s hearts must have been full of love and joy as they watched their son become God’s voice to the people. 

The Lord continued to bless Hannah, rewarding her faithfulness with three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21)

Hannah’ story is a testament to God’s favor for faithfulness!

This Thanksgiving, if you are struggling with loss and grief, estranged relationships, or other hardships, I invite you to join me in praying fervently like Hannah for your needs. 

Then read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks.” Finally, recite Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10) aloud, meditate on its words, and know that the Lord your God has not forgotten you, that His favor is upon you in all life’s circumstances, and that He will reward your faithfulness. (1 Samuel 26:23).

May God keep you and bless you,
Tika

What I am Reading: Saints and Scoundrels: In the Story of Jesus.

Notable Quote: 

“The wilderness is not a place of punishment, but a place of preparation.” Pastor Tisha Dixon-Williams.

Just for fun:

I was among twenty-two other authors at the Women Who Write and Create author event. I met many wonderful women and had the opportunity to share the gospel while selling books!