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- Oct 26, 2007
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Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman [was] a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:36-37 NKJV
A widow most of her life, Anna walked the lonely corridors, met the temple visitors, and prayed and fasted.
Luke doesn’t explain what kept Anna working as a prophetess. All he reveals is that rather than growing bitter toward God for the loss of her husband and the resulting loneliness, Anna worshipped.
Most believers would not choose Anna’s life. There is so much to experience—so much laughter in families, so much meaning in friendships. As a result, most Christians find it difficult to look beyond their screens, to stare out through their living room blinds at the import in a cloistered life. But Anna did.
Anna got up each morning to the same food, clothing, and conversations she had known the day and decade before. Though overlooked by most who entered the temple, Anna continued serving, never receiving the accolades she deserved or tasting the happiness of those she waited on.
But then, Anna saw Jesus. And for her, earth’s loneliness and longings finally made sense. They always do when heaven enters a room.
Is it hard to worship when your life doesn’t feel as vibrant as other lives? Let Anna’s story encourage your patience. Then one day, you too can celebrate the moment Jesus walks in.
Prayer: Father, help me to worship like Anna.
A widow most of her life, Anna walked the lonely corridors, met the temple visitors, and prayed and fasted.
Luke doesn’t explain what kept Anna working as a prophetess. All he reveals is that rather than growing bitter toward God for the loss of her husband and the resulting loneliness, Anna worshipped.
Most believers would not choose Anna’s life. There is so much to experience—so much laughter in families, so much meaning in friendships. As a result, most Christians find it difficult to look beyond their screens, to stare out through their living room blinds at the import in a cloistered life. But Anna did.
Anna got up each morning to the same food, clothing, and conversations she had known the day and decade before. Though overlooked by most who entered the temple, Anna continued serving, never receiving the accolades she deserved or tasting the happiness of those she waited on.
But then, Anna saw Jesus. And for her, earth’s loneliness and longings finally made sense. They always do when heaven enters a room.
Is it hard to worship when your life doesn’t feel as vibrant as other lives? Let Anna’s story encourage your patience. Then one day, you too can celebrate the moment Jesus walks in.
Prayer: Father, help me to worship like Anna.
