Prepare: Let us come to God in faith, whatever may be our situation.
Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-18
Hannah's pain and prayer: Elkanah of the tribe of Ephraim had two wives. While Peninnah had children, Hannah was barren. The family made trips to Shiloh every year to worship the Lord by offering sacrifice. Because of Peninnah's provocative words year after year about her barrenness, Hannah would weep and would not eat. Despite Elkanah's love for her, Hannah experienced a lot of pain. When on a trip to Shiloh one year, she went to the house of the Lord in a deeply distressed state. While praying she made a vow to the Lord, ""...if you.. will give a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life...". She would dedicate her son as a Nazirite, for God's sevice (Numbers 6:1-8) .
Hannah's assurance in God: The priest in the house of the Lord mistook her for a drunken woman and rebuked her. Hannah humbly explained to him that she was not a wicked woman filled with wine, but out of her great grief, she had been pouring her heart before the Lord. Realizing his mistake, the priest Eli spoke softly, assuring her of God granting her petition. No longer was Hannah sad for she had assurance and faith in God.
Let us remember that our tears are not forgotten by God (Psalm 56:8). Whatever difficulties or pain we experience, let us boldly pour our hearts before Him in faith.
Respond: Lord, we pour our hearts to You. Let the peace that passes all understanding fill our hearts.
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