“‘The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and the hungry have ceased to hunger.’” (1 Samuel 2:4, 5)

We do not think that Hannah realized how marvelously she was praying. First of all she praised the Lord, then she worshiped Him, and ascribed unto Him holiness. Then she called upon the proud and the arrogant, and shamed them, and told them that their actions would be weighed by Him. Now she is presenting two kinds of men and making a contrast which is worthy of our thought.

• “The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength.”

This is true. Have we not read that not many mighty or noble are called? If our God is going to use men, He must break them. Many a Goliath has fallen before a David. “Those who stumbled are girded with strength.” It is a wonderful thing to be clothed with the power of His might.

• “Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread.”

Have you not read, “‘Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger’” (Luke 6:25)? “‘Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation’” (6:24)? But God also has said what Hannah said, “‘Blessed are those who hunger . . . for they shall be filled’” (Matthew 5:6). “‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’” (5:3).

Hannah was praying in the Spirit, and truth is always the same. The mighty are broken, the weak are given strength, the full cry out for bread, and the hungry are satisfied.

Guard your heart. Teach your children. Watch and pray.