Glean from the account of Hannah in 1 Samuel the 1st chapter: Although Hannah was depressed, broken, provoked, vexed, bitter, unhappy, and defeated, year after year, she did not hesitate to go up daily to the Tabernacle at Shiloh and in silence continued in prayer before the Lord to entreat Him to give her a child. Hannah prayed silently in the bitterness of her soul and wept sorely. The Bible says, “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10).
She poured out and vowed in her heart that if the Lord blessed her, she would give back her request to Him. Indeed, she was a woman of prayer who had an intimate relationship with the Lord. Despite her barrenness, desperation, and deep longing, feeling of being troubled, her frustration, and despite her pain, she quieted her heart, remained steadfast, and trusted the Lord.
Hannah had chosen what was better. Amid her circumstances, she believed God. Hannah believed and trusted the Might God, Creator of the Universe, who heard and answered her prayers. Her faith and belief revealed the unmerited favor of His will for her life.
God answered Hannah’s prayer and rewarded her in the end (vs.20). How awesome IS our Lord!!
Consequently, don’t compromise and falter in your faith and relationship with the Lord! Purpose this to “Go Deeper, Wider, Yet Still in God’s Presence.” Entreat the Lord’s attention by basking and relaxing in His presence. He will show you the path of life. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Hannah’s petition may have seemed as though it would not come into existence. However, because of her unwavering faith in meeting God daily and sitting in His presence, she found grace in His sight, and she received! God changed the seasons in her life.
We encourage you to cast off the cares of this world, the negativity and the “stuff” that overpower you, worries, heavy burdens, financial hardships, health conditions, and especially all the daunting undone daily tasks you left behind. Silence all other noise by getting into the stillness of the Lorde’s presence. Cast it all at Jesus’ feet! We charge you to cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The Holy Spirit comforts with the word that God’s grace is enough for you: for your strength is made perfect during the times when you are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9). God desires to bless you as you abide in His presence! If you stay long enough, you will acquire joy, get direction for your life, become what God wants you to be, and you will become more like Him.
The overall blessing was that God brought Hannah on her knees to experience an intimate relationship and prayer time with Him. What a piercing, life-changing story of unwavering faith. God prepared a blessing for Hannah, and He will do the same in your season. Together, like Hannah, let’s go deeper, wider, yet still in His presence. Let’s again linger in His presence and listen for His voice.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe that HE IS, and HE will reward us if we diligently seek Him.
