Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
CONTEXT
Hannah had no children. Every year her husband would bring his family to Shiloh to worship God. This year she brought her sorrow before the Lord.
Bible Reading
She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
– 1 Samuel 1:10-18
Devotion
Hannah freely shared her heart with God. God already knew what was in her spirit. God also knows what is in our spirits, but He longs for us to intentionally bring our desires before Him in prayer. Her pain was misunderstood by Eli. Undaunted, she clarified why she was acting the way she was. In response. Eli encouraged her by asking God to answer her request.
Hannah was grateful for Eli’s words of encouragement. More than that, she was trusting in God’s goodness and care. Even though she didn’t know for sure whether or not she would have a baby, she got up and ate. The trust in her heart even made it all the way to her face. This is a historical story of someone who practiced the principal written centuries later by Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
The Big Question
What do you do with your heartache? Good conversations with friends can be an encouragement, but your friends don’t truly understand what’s going on in your heart and mind. Surrender your desires to the One who knows you best.
Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.