We are a curious people. We remember for years the most minor of slights against us but are amnesiacs when it comes to remembering God’s graciousness to us even five minutes ago. We major in the minors and minor in the majors so much of the time. Perhaps it is because deep down we believe we deserve God’s goodness to us, so it is easier for us to take it for granted.

Notice, however, how Hannah began her prayer. After leaving her son in the care of Eli, she does not offer up a prayer of lament or a prayer seeking comfort from God. Instead, she offers an amazing prayer of praise – a prayer emanating from a rejoicing heart, rejoicing that was affixed not to Samuel, as we might expect, but to the Lord. Hannah rejoiced in the Lord because she did not take God’s goodness for granted. She had not forgotten how God had answered her prayer or how He had lifted her up. So now, she lifted Him up. Yes, Hannah also boasted in the victory over her enemies, but even that was not the foundation of her praise. God’s goodness was. And Hannah understood that God was just as good when she cradled Samuel in her arms as when she placed him in the care of Eli.

How has God been good to you in recent days? Be as specific as possible and worship Him as He is due.