GOD HEARS US

Stop.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Set aside any grief or fear that weighs heavy in your heart. Envision your heart opening to God’s promises. Continue to breathe, release these emotions, and open your eyes.

Listen.
[Hannah] made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant” – 1 Samuel 1:11a

Reflect.
This week, we start a new sermon series called “People of Faith, Stories of Faith”. As we focus on these Old Testament characters and their incredible stories, we hear of emotions and events that feel familiar. These stories tell us something about our own lives today.

In Sunday’s scripture, we hear about Hannah. All her life, Hannah has wanted only to have a child. Her great grief over feeling unheard by God year after year consumes her life. However, she faithfully returns to God in hopeful prayer. She will not let despair win.

Today, you probably have some pain that continues to chase you. It might be grief, fear, sadness, worry, or stress. Wherever it comes from, it sometimes feels like it’s the only thing that matters. Rest in God’s promise to always be there, always provide for you, and always keep true to the promise for abundant life. God invites you to bring forward your prayers, to hear you in your struggle, and to guide you through.

Pray.
God, my God, if only you would look at how miserable I feel. Remember me today even as I remember your promises. Guide me in the path of hopefulness and good courage. I put all my trust in you. Amen.

Carry On.
God’s people can feel fear, sadness, anger, or any negative emotion and remain grounded in faith. We know that God hears us when we feel despair and walks with us in our deepest hurt. Bring your whole self to God.