DCLM Daily Manna 31 December 2025 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Gratitude To God

TOPIC: Gratitude To God (DCLM Daily Manna 31 December 2025)

KEY VERSE: “And Hannah prayed, and said, my heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation” (1 Samuel 2:1)

TEXT: 1 Samuel 2:1-9 (KJV)

1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

In 1972, singer and activist Joan Baez was in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, during a 12-day American bombing campaign. She described being in the basement of her hotel, terrified and thinking she was going to die. Baez noted that during the crisis, even atheists and agnostics were praying. However, once the danger passed, people returned to their previous beliefs and structures. This experience taught her about human behaviour in times of crisis and the tendency to revert to familiar beliefs afterward.

From today’s passage, Hannah returns praise to God. She is not a stranger to adversity. During her earlier visit to God’s house, she spoke in her heart; her voice was not heard. From the context, we, of course, know what her prayer was. It certainly matched with her vow: “O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give to thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (1 Samuel 1:11). And the Lord answered her prayer and gave her a son, Samuel.

Hannah’s second prayer is a poem and song of praise, celebrating her deliverance from reproach and oppression. She praised God not just for the birth of Samuel, but also for dedicating him to the temple when he was young.

As the year comes to an end, it is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and provision in the face of challenges. Many of us have turned to God in times of need, finding Him to be our refuge in the storms of life. However, it is easy to forget His goodness once the crisis has passed. Like Hannah, we should offer heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God for His abundant mercies as we approach a new year. Let us remember to express gratitude for all that He has done for us, acknowledging His blessings and favour in our lives.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There’s something wrong when our prayers are louder than our praises to God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Revelation 21-22

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.