Lessons from Hannah

 1 Samuel 1:10-11

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

Hannah was distressed with her situation, where she was tormented by the other wife of her husband, as she couldn't have children. She took it to the Lord, cried out to Him about her situation and made a promise that when the Lord blesses her with a child, she would dedicate that child to the Lord. Which the Lord did!

There are a few things we can learn from Hannah. In times of distress, take the matter to the Lord, instead of to other people, who might either make the situation worse by blaming you and crucifying you when they don't have the full story of what is happening. Or they may offer wrong advise, thinking that they are helping when they are making things worse or getting you off track from the ways of the Lord. God is always ready to listen, He cares. What is also clear, is that when we pray, we must be clear about what we want, tell the Lord what we need. Furthermore, show commitment on your part. Hannah promised the Lord that she would dedicate her child to the Lord, when she is blessed with one. This is called not only looking out for your own interest, but also looking at what is the will of God in the situation, or what you can come in agreement with, with the Lord.

Life matters can be tough, but the Lord says we must not carry our own burdens, but we should bring them to Him (Psalm 55:22). Like Hannah, pray about, cry about it to the Lord, but when you are done, rest in Him, trust that He has heard you and will come through for you. Rest!