We often find ourselves controlled by the problems, pressures and perplexities of our lives.
The character is Hannah, and her story is one that goes from despair to desperation to delight; from barrenness to brokenness to blessedness; and from grief to grace to Joy.
Hannah teaches us how we can deal with how we feel when life gives brings us challenges. In 1 Samuel 2: 1; “And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.”
Hannah had a condition she could not alter. 1 Samuel 1: 5 says the Lord had shut up her womb. To get an idea of the intensity of Hannah’s problem, here are eight words in 1 Samuel 1 chosen to describe Hannah’s pain:
• “Provoke” (vv. 6, 7)
• “Grief” (vv. 6, 16)
• “Weep” (vv. 7, 8, 10)
• “Downhearted” (v. 8)
• “Bitterness of soul” (v. 10)
• “Affliction” (v. 11)
• “Sorrowful spirit” (v. 15)
• “Complaint and grief” (v.16)
For whatever reason, the Lord had shut up her womb and made her unable to have children. It is a problem she can do nothing about. But rather than blow up, Hannah looked up.
Hannah reacted to her grievous situation by turning to the Lord, talked with the Lord, and trusted in the Lord. We’re told that she prayed.
Have a little talk with Jesus,
Tell Him all about your troubles.
He will hear my faintest cry
And He will answer by and by…