In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:10)
Have you ever experienced hurt or stress so deep that it brought anguish to the core of your being? Sooner or later most of us do.
Hannah was an Old Testament woman who had not been able to have children. In Hebrew culture, providing male offspring for the sake of continuing the family was of special significance. The woman who could not bear a son was considered to have brought shame to her husband.
We know from this verse that Hannah prayed to the Lord in bitterness of soul. Words couldn’t adequately describe her pain. But take careful note as to how she dealt with her stress. She didn’t deny it, try to self-medicate, or drown her sorrows with alcohol. Rather, she sought the Lord in heartfelt prayer. God heard her prayer and answered it. A short time later she became pregnant and bore a son named Samuel.
In times when stress brings anguish to your soul, remember Hannah. Don’t let stress take you down. Take your cares to God in prayer. He will answer you.
