THE FERTILE SOIL OF CELEBRATION
“My heart rejoices in the LORD! The LORD has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God.”
1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NLT)
In the book of 1 Samuel, we read about a woman who was heartsick with desperation. Hannah, desperate after years of infertility and ridicule, wept before the Lord. So deep was her anguish that the prophet Eli mistook her for being drunk, yet God heard her cry and faithfully gave her a child.
What’s beautiful is that once she received the promise of a child, Hannah did not hoard her promise for herself or let the long season of waiting turn her heart bitter. Instead, her heart celebrated what the Lord had done. She knew who had fulfilled her heart's longing, and she praised the Lord.
Sometimes, celebration is easy. A natural overflow from a full heart. Other times, we find ourselves in seasons where celebration seems hard, for it grinds on a far-distant hope or an unfulfilled desire. But here’s the good news—with God, all things are made new! Scripture says, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19 NLT) There is no one like the Lord. He takes what feels hopeless and turns it into abundance.
Just as spring always follows winter, joy always emerges from sorrow with the Lord. Henri Nouwen reminds us that Joy never denies the sadness, but transforms it to a fertile soil for more joy. This was true for Hannah—her deepest heartache became a celebration. Her honesty and trust in God during seasons of emptiness cultivated in her heart for joy in seasons of abundance. The same is true for us. When we trust God during what seems impossible, He turns barren hearts into fertile ground for grand celebrations.
APPLICATION: Spend some time with the Lord today being honest. What are your heart’s desires, the things you’re waiting for, and where do you need more faith? Then, remind your waiting heart of God’s character—He is faithful, He is present, He is a provider, etc. Let both the request and the reminder cause celebration in your heart.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for turning sorrow into joy. Help me celebrate both in waiting and receiving, trusting Your good plans. In Your precious name, Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?