“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” (Psalm 30:11)
Once there was a barren woman called Hannah who lived under very difficult circumstances. We read: “Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, ‘Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?’” (1 Samuel 1:7–8).
Then, one day, something happened. Eli, the priest, took note of her sorrowful situation. After hearing her prayer, he said to her, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him” (v. 17).
In response, Hannah said, “May your servant find favour in your eyes.” Then she went her way, ate something, and her face was no longer downcast (v. 18).
From that moment, Hannah’s outlook changed. Her sorrow gave way to hope, and her weeping was replaced by a spirit of praise. She had received a word of encouragement, and she chose to believe that God would answer her prayer.
One chapter of weeping had given way to a new chapter of praise. And, in time, her faith was rewarded. We read, “In the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him’” (v. 20). Her spirit sang, “See what the Lord has done!”
Your situation may not be very different from Hannah’s. You may be carrying a burden in your heart that has left you restless and filled with sorrow. Day and night, you have wept as you waited for that cherished answer to your prayers.
But what if, in the depths of your heart, you hear the Lord say, “Go in peace; I have heard your prayer”? Would you continue to weep?
The time for praise has come! Let your tears give way to thanksgiving. Stop weeping and start praising, for the God who hears your prayers is at work, even when you cannot yet see the outcome.
Like Hannah, may you find the peace to trust God while you wait and the joy to praise Him for His faithfulness. One day you will shout with joy: See what the Lord has done!
Prayer today: Lord God, Father of Abraham, Maker of heaven and earth, I thank You because You hear my prayers and know the burdens of my heart. Help me to exchange my sorrow for joy, my anxiety for peace, and my tears for praise. Even as I wait for the manifestation of Your promises, give me a heart that trusts You completely. I rise today in praise and thanksgiving, believing in Your faithfulness. See what the Lord has done! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
