Verse of the Day 10/12

Verse of the Day 10?12

1 Samuel 2:1-2

English Standard Version

And Hannah prayed and said,

"My heart exults in the Lord;
    my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
    because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 "There is none holy like the Lord:
    for there is none besides you;
    there is no rock like our God.

Our Pastor Pete has just begun a series "Empathy and Lament" and will be focusing on cries from the heart.  Some of the greatest prayers and Psalms in the Bible have come from passages where God's children are crying out to HIm and yet praising Him.  Today's verses are an example ot that.  We may often read these verses or see them posted with out the first words "and Hannah prayed and said".  She was down, she had been barren, longing to have a child but nothing was happening, still she prayed and Eli heard her prayer and said "Go in peace , and the God of Israel grant your petition." and, the only God, the One who had the power to change the situation, did.  Today's prayer is her response to God's answer and what a great prayer it was.

Pastor James Smith wrote the following back in 1860.  Another time for sure, but still very relevant.

As creatures, we all need . . . 
  an object of trust,
  one on whom we can lean,
  one in whom we can confide, 
  one to whom we may look for defense and safety.
Every creature has some rock--some object of dependence and trust; for without this, there would be recklessness or despair.

Some make a 'rock' of their wealth, 
  some of their talents, 
  some of their station, 
  some of their friends, 
  some of their good deeds, 
  some of their religious observances, 
  some of their name or fame.

But the Christian's rock is his God--that is, God in Christ. Yes, Jesus is . . .
  the foundation of his hopes, 
  the source of his strength, 
  the anchor of his safety, and 
  the fountain that supplies him!  

I"m reminded of the song "I Go to the Rock" from Aaron Jeoffrey many years ago.  The song still rings true for me.

Where do I go
When there's no body else to turn to
Who do I talk to
When no one wants to listen
Who do I lean on
When there's no foundation stable
I go to the Rock I know He's able
I go to the Rock

CHORUS
I go to the Rock of my Salvation
I go to the Stone that the builders rejected
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me
When the earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ, the solid rock I stand
When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,
I go to the Rock

Where do I hide
When the storms of life are threatening
Where do I run to
When the winds of sorrow blow
Is there a refuge (a refuge) in the time of tribulation
Cause I go to the Rock
I know (I know) He's able.

If you need shelter, if you need a friend, go to the Rock, I know He is able.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

1 Samuel 2

English Standard Version

Hannah's Prayer

2 And Hannah prayed and said,

"My heart exults in the Lord;
    my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
    because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 "There is none holy like the Lord:
    for there is none besides you;
    there is no rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly,
    let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
    and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
    but the feeble bind on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
    but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
    but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life;
    he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
    he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust;
    he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
    and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
    and on them he has set the world.