The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever.” Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.
1 Samuel 1:21-23
Lord, it is not easy for me to let go of some of the good things You have brought into my life, the blessings You only give me for a season. In them, by them, and through them my life often feels complete, my heart finding contentment in the moment, mistakenly believing that having them not only ensures my happiness, but also makes me whole. Yet, this is idolatry, believing that there is something on this side of eternity, whether talents, materials, or persons, that can take the place of You. Only You make me complete. Only You bring true contentment. Only You ensure my eternal happiness. Only You make me whole. All other things, no matter how good, are pale substitutions. Today I pray for discernment, recognizing when I am elevating a blessing to the point of not being willing to let it go. Show me that place in my heart where I am holding on too tight, exalting the gift over the Giver. Raise up in my life individuals who will gently remind me to keep You first that Your word and will might be established in my life through my obedience. Remind me that the gifts You bestow upon me are but a temporary reflection of Your immutable character, that I might see You in them and be drawn closer to You not them. And when it is time to let go, give me the courage and resolve to do so, knowing that You are the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and that any lack I sense in my life by their departure will be satisfied in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.