“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.’” (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
Yesterday, we read that Hannah was not understood by her husband and was constantly provoked by Peninnah. To whom could she go to unburden her heart? She went to the temple of the Lord. This was a perfect place to withdraw from other people and to spend time in God’s presence.
I think it was a wise decision of Hannah to go there. We too can always seek God’s presence — and not just as a backup plan when human helpers fall short. He should be the first One we go to!
Hannah wept and prayed; she poured out her heart before God. She was completely honest with the Holy One. “All along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation”, she explained when Eli the priest wondered what she was doing. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to do the same: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us”.
Moreover, Hannah asked God to give her a son. She trusted that He was able to do so, despite her infertility. He had closed her womb, therefore He could also open it.
Do you trust that God is able to give you what you need?