Pam Padgett ... teacher
Hannah's husband, Elkanah, had two wives. One wife, Peninnah, had
children, but Hannah had none. Peninnah provoked Hannah because she
had no children, causing distress to Hannah, so Hannah went to the temple and poured her heart out to God.
1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after
they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the
temple of the LORD. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed
unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD
of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid,
and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine
handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days
of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. 12 And it came
to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her
mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her
voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And
Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from
thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a
sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Hannah pouring her heart out to God, asking Him for what she desired,
reminded me that this is also what we are to do when we are troubled ...
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
In 1 Samuel 1 we also have an example of the faithfulness of God to help us when we
come humbly to Him as, through Eli the priest, Hannah was told her
request was granted, and her sadness was removed.
1 Samuel 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.