Jumping for Joy

Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 2:1, And Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

What a powerful way to begin her prayer of praise to the Lord. As we read Hannah’s opening statement, it explodes with joy. The word she uses, “rejoices”, means to jump for joy. Her inner being is jumping with joy. Her horn, or strength, is lifted up in the Lord. Why was she so overwhelmed with joy? It was because her enemy, Peninnah, has now been silenced by the Lord and by Hannah’s praises. We, as Christians, should not see it as a strange thing when trials and persecutions come into our lives. 1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” When those trials come, when the persecution comes, the best immediate solution is to bring them to the Lord. In chapter 1, we do not read that Hannah answers Peninnah, or tries to outdo her in Elkanah’s eyes to turn him against her. She does not attempt to get even. Instead, she brings her plight to the Lord and allows Him to take vengeance on her behalf. Romans 12:17-19 says, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” There is no greater joy than to see God bring our enemies, our persecutors, low by crushing their plans and their prideful attitude. As we love on, and pray for, those who use us and persecute us (Matthew 5:43-48), God takes care of lifting us up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6-7 is a great encouragement, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The bottom line is that in the midst of trials, tribulations, persecutions, and life’s challenges, the Lord is our hiding place. What a joy to be able to say what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 94:22, “But the LORD has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge.” This was Hannah’s joy. This was why she could rejoice and lift her voice in praise for her enemy to hear. What a great lesson in holding our tongues and refusing to answer the insults and taunts of our persecutors. Rather than waste our breath with a defense or words that are equally cruel, why not wait on the Lord and then lift our voice and direct our words of praise to Him? That will wound our enemies deeper than anything we can say or do. When God wants to bring someone low, He can do it in ways that are impossible for us and in ways we would never think of. We must trust Him and let Him alone be the source of our heart, our inner being, jumping for joy. Let us give Him the opportunity to prove that His Word is true so that we can shout our praises from the mountain tops, even if it means that we have to walk with Him through the valley for the time being. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).