Inspiration

I was convicted this morning that many (if not all) of my blogs are about me and my life (surprise!). Yes, God uses circumstances and people in our lives, but the purpose is to point to Him. David and the psalmists did that eloquently. I've been reading the book of 1 Samuel interjected with psalms and it's obvious that God used what was going on in David's life to make Himself known.

The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah and her prayer has been an inspiration. Although she praises God, who ended her infertility, it was spoken as she presented Samuel to Eli as a young boy. As she gave back God's precious gift, she said:

“My heart exults in the Lord;
My horn is exalted in the Lord,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

“There is no one holy like the Lord,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.

“Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.

“The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.

“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.

“The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.

“The Lord makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.

“He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the world on them.

“He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.

“Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.” (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

Not, "Woe is me!" or "I just can't," but God is... God is. Look again and wonder at the God we serve. The God who calls us to His glory and presence, the God who provides and sustains. Weep. Clap. Dance. Be silent.

Trust. Obey. Praise. Exult.