1 Samuel 1:9-11 "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."
Today we look at another precious lady in the Bible named Hannah. She was
married to a man named Elkanah. 1 Samuel 1:2 tells us the reason for Hannah
having "bitterness of soul. "And he (Elkanah) had two wives; the name
of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had
children, but Hannah had no children." Peninnah would mock Hannah and
provoke her to anger and sorrow every year. Elkanah could not understand the
reason for Hannah's bitterness. He even went so far as to say, "... why is
thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?" Okay, I will
admit it. Men are not always the brightest lightbulb on the shelf when it comes
to understanding emotions.
So our text today shows us Hannah's ultimate response. "So Hannah rose
up... and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore." Her husband did not
understand her broken heart. When you read on into the first chapter, you see
that the priest, Eli, did not understand. He actually thought she was drunk
because he saw her lips moving but nothing was coming out of her mouth. Hannah
explained that she was not drunk but was pouring her heart out unto the
Lord. Eli responded to Hannah when he realized what was happening:
"Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast
asked of him." We will continue with Hannah on Monday, but for now I want
us to look at Hannah's situation and then by faith see the unseeable (okay that
might be my own word).. but let's see that which takes place each time we pour
our hearts out unto the Lord. What was taking place in heaven as Hannah was
shedding tears and crying out unto the Lord? Let's take the Word of God for our
answer.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)
"Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they
not in thy book? (9) When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies
turn back: this I know; for God is for me." (Psalm 56:8-9)
From these verses we can know for a fact that God heard Hannah's prayer. He saw
the tears that were shed and was touched by them. He collected those tears and
then poured out His grace and mercy to help in her time of need. We can also
know that our Lord hears our prayers, collects our tears, and grants mercy and
grace to help us in our time of need. Thank you Heavenly Father!
1. Just when I need Him, Jesus is near, Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer, Just when I need Him most.
Refrain:
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
2. Just when I need Him, Jesus is true, Never forsaking, all the way through;
Giving for burdens pleasures anew, Just when I need Him most.
3. Just when I need Him, Jesus is strong, Bearing my burdens all the day long;
For all my sorrow giving a song, Just when I need Him most.
4. Just when I need Him, He is my all, Answering when upon Him I call;
Tenderly watching lest I should fall, Just when I need Him most.