Steadfast Heart

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37

Today during our evening meditation we reflected on the life of Anna and how she spent all her time in the temple fasting and praying. I asked my son, "How many times do you think of God during the day?" He said often. So I asked when he had prayed today. Without blinking an eyelid he said he prayed throughout the day that I would not give him any assignments to do. Honestly speaking, many of us silently pray that we won’t have to do some humdrum duty that requires our physical or mental effort with no real tangible goal in sight. How often do we think or pray to God during our daily activities? Have you tried fasting from food or something you particularly enjoy doing viz. surfing on the internet, watching your favorite TV program, or going window shopping? The time spent during that favorite activity could be substituted for prayer or some other form of service to God.

Anna was a prophetess who lived in the temple all day and spent much of her time fasting and praying. Her greatest moment was to be in the presence of the baby Jesus Savior … Messiah … Lord ... Prince of Peace ... God with us ... Immanuel. What more could she ask for than to be physically in the presence of God our Savior? Mary and Joseph brought their son Jesus, to dedicate him for service to God. Mary had heard the shepherds declare to her what the angel had said, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11-12)." This witness of these poor simple shepherds may have caused Mary to ponder on the significance of Christ's mission on earth. Have you had moments in your life when you were consciously aware of the presence of God?

Simeon further gave Mary some shocking news that, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul" (Luke 2:35). Mary was called to be the mother of baby Jesus, yet in the joy of motherhood to the Messiah, here was Simeon prophesying that she would be inflicted with a sword of great suffering as well. The life that Jesus would lead would be one of rejection that would eventually lead Him to the cross. Have you been called to Christian service, yet decided against it because the cross was too heavy to bear? Or has tragedy and life’s battering left your heart drained and helpless?

Here Anna, who had spent a lifetime of prayer and fasting, now started speaking about Jesus to all she met who were waiting expectantly for the day of deliverance. We must believe that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Let us always hope even when there are no answers in sight. Let us trust even in times of failure. Let us pray for and share all we have with those in need. To have a steadfast heart and not grow bitter when we are burdened with sadness and grief is our calling as Christians. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord (Psalm 127:7). God’s is waiting for people, churches, and nations to admit their absolute faith in Him and His abundant grace. God's spiritual blessings will rest upon those who commit themselves with obedient spirits and steadfast hearts.