It was customary in biblical days for a man to have more than one wife. A man named Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Pen, for short, was able to give her husband children while Hannah could not. Feeling barren, alone, and disappointed, Hannah would be reduced to tears because of Pen’s taunting towards her. So much so, that she couldn’t eat.
Have you ever felt like Hannah; alone, disappointed? Is life not going how you planned? Do you feel stuck, like there is no way out?
Instead of Hannah sitting in despair, she did one simple thing that changed her perspective. She shared her heart’s woes with God in prayer.
“Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to God. She made this vow, ‘O Lord, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.'” (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
Eli the priest watched her pour her heart out to God. They spoke with each other and Eli blessed her for her honesty. He told her, “Go in peace, may the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17)
What she did next changed her perspective.
She believed, which gave her hope.
Just praying to God uplifted her spirits. She was no longer sad and she was able to eat.
Notice something else, God never answered her request yet. She did not know if He was going to grant her her heart’s desire. We see in 1 Samuel that He did bless her with a son, Samuel. At that time though, Hannah’s circumstances had not changed, but her perspective did. This shift caused her heart to look up and receive hope from the One who hears and sees.
God hears you when you talk with Him. One of God’s favorites is when you choose to converse with Him and ask for guidance and help. You are not made to live life on your own. You were created with fellowship in mind, first with God’s Son, and then with others.
This week is a time of reflecting on the goodness of God. No matter what you are facing during this difficult time in our world, looking up at God and knowing that He sees you and hears you, will change your outlook.
God is the God of hope.
Having hope changes everything. Why? Because it is not about God granting your wishes. It is about His Presence. His Presence is what you are seeking, desiring, and needing. When you stand before the Living God, you are home, and nothing else matters. You become content.
Carol J German 