Great Distress. Inconsolable Tears. Desperate Prayers.

As you know from my last post, I am writing a Bible Study for our church so for the next few months I will be a lot more silent than usual. (It can happen😆) But I can guarantee, not idle. I promised experts of the study I’m writing. Here is the first one–doctored slightly for a blog post. 😉

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In 1 Samuel 1 we’re plunged headfirst into family. We are introduced to a man and his two wives. One who has children and the other who doesn’t. Their rivalry between them is very reminiscent of that between Sarah and Hagar and Leah and Rachel.

In her distress, Hannah gets up to go before the Lord Of Heaven’s Armies and pray.

Let’s pick up the text at 1 Samuel 1:9-20

Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord ’s tabernacle. Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, “ Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.” While she continued praying in the Lord ’s presence, Eli watched her lips. Hannah was praying silently, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk and scolded her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine! ” “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord . Don’t think of me as a wicked woman; I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.” Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.” “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent. The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the Lord . Afterward, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because she said, “I requested him from the Lord .

I love this tender moment between Hannah and her Lord.

How she gets as close the Mercy Seat as she could. How she lays herself bare. Completely open. Vulnerable. How she pours out her deep anguish, like incense. (Exodus 30:1-10; Psalm 141:2) And her tears, like a drink offering.

She was painfully aware her family was inept at helping her. So, in her isolation, she went to the One who could fill the void—in her womb and her soul.

Perhaps as Eli read the Scriptures—stories of the Patriarchs and Moses—Hannah’s mind went to Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. Women who understood. Women who felt what she was feeling. Women who could identify with her crushed soul (MSG) and empathize with her inconsolable tears (MSG). Women whose wombs God opened and blessed with sons. Women whose stories displayed God’s power and grace. Whose stories increased her faith and gave her the boldness needed to come before God with her request, knowing what He can do.

Beloved, no matter what season you are in, what struggle you are having, with obstacles you are trying to maneuver around there is someone in the Scriptures who’s been there. And by studying their experience and choices we can learn a lot of what to do (or not do) as we work through our situation. How awesome is that?

Can you identify with her? Is there a “barrenness” only God can fill? In your womb, relationships, family, career, finances, marriage, ministry, or_______________________________, you fill in the blank.

Have you ever shed inconsolable tears that sprang up from a deep longing, an unmet need?

Or maybe those tears are there, freshly on your cheeks.

Join Hannah. Go before your Savior and let Him have it all.

Know God is with you and hears you when you pray.

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I covet your prayers as I do this. It’s been long days and lots of work. But rewarding at the same time. Please pray for

• Endurance
• Strength
• His energy to infuse me
• Wisdom
• Clarity
• His Words to flow through fingers

You are the BEST!! LOVE YOU AND AM STILL PRAYING FOR YOU DAILY!

Blessings, xoxo

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