The story I would like to share with you today comes from the Old Testament. It seems I know this dear lady very well. I’ve met her counterparts in every church we have attended and at every retreat I have been blessed to teach.
She’s a sweet lady, one of two wives to a man named Elkanah. He loves her dearly, but she had no children. Her counterpart has children and mocks her. Each year they travel as a family to Shiloh to bring their offerings to the Lord. This is an extremely tough time for Hannah because her heart aches for a child.
In sorrow, Hannah cries out to the Lord.
“Hannah was so sad that she cried the whole time she was praying to the Lord. 11 She made a special promise to God and said, “Lord All-Powerful, you can see how sad I am. Remember me. Don’t forget me. If you will give me a son, I will give him to you. He will be yours his whole life…
13 Hannah was praying in her heart. Her lips were moving, but since she did not say the words out loud, Eli thought she was drunk. 14 He said to her, “You have had too much to drink. It is time to put away the wine.”
15 Hannah answered, “Sir, I have not drunk any wine or beer. I am deeply troubled, and I was telling the Lord about all my problems. 16 Don’t think I am a bad woman. I have been praying so long because I have so many troubles and am very sad.”
17 Eli answered, “Go in peace. May the God of Israel give you what you asked for.”
18 Hannah said, “May you be happy with me.” Then she left and ate something. She was not sad anymore.” I Samuel 1:10-18 ERV
Have you been there?
So, upset over a situation that you have wept before the Lord, pouring out your heart and soul, completely oblivious to what others thought about you…just needing God to hear your heart? If you have then you can relate to Hannah.
God heard her heart – children were a sign that you had been blessed by God and Hannah’s heart ached because she had no child. I can assure you, when you pour your heart out to God, He meets you there. He brings comfort and peace.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
God heard and answered Hannah’s prayer. A year later Samuel was born. He is the same God and Father who hears our heart’s cry.
“So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:11-12 KJV
Pour out your sorrow before the Lord today. He will turn it into joy!