Stay Focused on the One Above Us

And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
“There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Sa 2:1–2). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Life is difficult. Ministry is difficult.

Hannah was just coming out of a really difficult season. She longed to have a child, but it just wasn’t happening. But God, in his mercy, heard her prayers for a son.

As a result, Hannah burst forth in praise!

As you read her prayer of praise in 1 Samuel 2, it’s striking that her praise has absolutely nothing to do with her current circumstances. That’s because she’s not focused on what’s around her…she’s focused on the One above her!

Life and ministry can be really difficult. But let’s not allow whatever challenges we may be facing to rob us of the amazing opportunity we have - every day - to exult in the Lord! Let’s not allow what’s around us to distract us from the One above us…the One who is with us, all the time, to the end of the age.

There is none holy like the Lord.

There is no rock besides our God.

I rejoice in his salvation!

If you’re in a particularly discouraging season, you’re not alone. Help is just an email or phone call away. There are amazing resources in our state to help church leaders who are walking through challenging seasons. You can always reach me at president@scbo.org.

Grace and Peace,

Adam Pursel
SCBO President