'An Old Hope and Finally, Delight' - Luke 2:36-38

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple [when Joseph and Mary were dedicating Jesus]. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

—Luke 2:36-38 NLT

Key Thought​

Anna had lost her husband, but not her hope. She had lost the life of her dreams, but not the ability to dream. Life can be hard for most of us. Some people get hit with crushing wounds early in their journey. These wounds don't have to destroy their lives. While people may carry the memory and the scars through all of their years, God can be their sufficiency and strength, just as he was for Anna. Her walk with God stands up there with Elijah and Enoch. She found God sufficient for her needs and worthy of her praise. God gave her the delight of her life and an opportunity to do what the prophets had foretold — "Your sons and daughters will prophesy." [1] She was privileged to declare the arrival of the Messiah to everyone in the Temple. What a long wait! What a glorious conclusion! What an awesome privilege! Come to think of it, we have the privilege of declaring Jesus, too!

[1] Joel 2:28.

Today's Prayer​

Father, I do not know what life will bring me, but please give me the faith to trust that you will be there to help me find my way through this life until I find the joy that awaits me in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Psalm 46:1-3, 7
• Acts 2:16-18
• Luke 10:38-42

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[The Encourager]

Father, I thank You that You’re in this place, and that with our hands lifted and our hearts extended, we can, in faith, reach out and touch You. I thank You, Father, that in reaching for You, You have already reached toward us and given us blessings which are limitless and know no measure. Bless us, Father, with physical strength and divine healing. Bless us, Father, with goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives. Let Your loving kindness and provision be upon us that we would have sufficiency for every good work, and the world would recognize that our Father in heaven is a loving King who provides for His own. We bless You, Lord Jesus; we thank You for Your Word. We stand upon it as the living promise of God that sickness is defeated, sin is destroyed, and we the children of God, live life without limit because You are our King. In Jesus’ name, we receive the blessing. In faith believing, we receive Your answer.

 

[Rizakar]

No matter whatever happens when we know the Lord we will never lose our hope in Him, Praise His Holy Name!!!

 

[Victor]

Dedicate your life to Jesus and He will come to you and bless your life. Whatever we do or say on earth should be done all to the glory of God the Father. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on all of us we pray. Amen