“Thank You” Bible Style: Hannah by David Jeremiah

“Thank You” Bible Style: Hannah

NOVEMBER 10, 2018

My heart rejoices in the Lord.
1 Samuel 2:1

 Recommended Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-11

In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul said, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (3:1). He also wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4) These are the only times that phrase occurs in the New Testament. Paul, who loved his “books” and “parchments” was quoting from the prayer of an Old Testament hero—Hannah. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah was distraught beyond comfort, being tormented by her circumstances. Going to the tabernacle in Shiloh, Hannah earnestly prayed over her situation, and God graciously answered. In chapter 2, she composed a rich hymn of thanksgiving, which began with the words Paul later used to encourage the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord.”

Hannah teaches us that our expressions of joyful thanksgiving reverberate through history. When we exhibit a thankful attitude, it’s transmitted to others; through them it reaches even more people. Our attitudes are passed down through the generations. If we’re angry or depressed or sullen or anxious, our children will absorb those attitudes. But when we approach life with a joyful spirit of thanksgiving, it leaves a lasting legacy.

So rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say: Rejoice!

Joy is the serious business of Heaven. 
C. S. Lewis