An Old Testament Devotion for the Anxious Covenant Child’s Heart
For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”
Once, there was an Israelite man with two wives. Now, this man should not have had two wives, but unfortunately, having more than one wife wive was what many men did in that part of the world. Still, despite the man’s sin, God had mercy, and this man loved God.
This man’s first wife had been blessed with many children, but the second wife, Hannah, could not have children. The first wife would often tease and make fun of Hannah for having no children, which made her so sad that not even her husband’s love could make her feel better.
So Hannah, being a godly woman, did what godly women do. She went to the House of the Lord and prayed to God. In fact, she prayed so hard that the Bible says she was “pouring out” her soul before God. She silently begged God for a child. She even promised God that if He gave her a son, she would return him to God’s service.
The priest at that time, Eli, was sitting on the steps as well, and when he saw Hannah, she told him that she was speaking to the Lord out of her anxiety and frustration. Eli, understanding what she meant, then kindly told her to go in peace, hoping that God would grant her what she asked for.
And God did. Soon, Hannah had a baby boy, and she named him Samuel. And just as she had promised God, when Samuel was old enough, she brought him to the House of the Lord to grow up in service of the Lord. And that was the way Samuel grew–in the service and worship of God.
So why is this verse important? Not all parents have the same problem as Hannah. Many Christian families have lots of children. Some families struggle to have children, just as Hannah did. Others adopt. And yet others have only one or two.
All of God’s covenant children, however, are just like Samuel, in that they do not belong to their parents. They are God’s children. And though it makes me sad to think about how my daughter and son will one day leave me and my husband and go off to live their own lives, I know that I cannot keep them from growing up. And I shouldn’t try.
You, covenant child, are just like Samuel, in that you are “lent to the Lord.” This means that God has given you to your parents for a short part of your life so that your parents may raise you in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—meaning they are to teach you to love and obey God.
But all that training is for a purpose. One day, you’ll make your way into the world as one of God’s servants, just as your parents did before you. God has plans for you, whether that’s as a parent, a spouse, a friend, a worker, a boss, a volunteer, or a church member. And God only knows the jobs and roles He has waiting for you. But God’s children are all called to be salt and light in this dark world, and this short childhood is meant to train you up so you may be salt and light as well, so the world can see the goodness of God through you.
But just as Samuel left his home, he was never alone. God was with him, as were Eli and God’s other servants. Hannah even brought him a new robe each year when she visited the temple. And just as Samuel was never alone, neither will you be. God will provide you with all the people and love that you need to grow into a servant of God.
So you, child of God, can sleep peacefully tonight knowing you have a purpose and great worth in God. And you are loved.
Discussion Questions
1. Why was Hannah sad?
2. What does it mean that Hannah poured her heart to God?
3. Can you pour out your heart to God? When should Christians pour out their hearts to God?
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