Strong Desparation
Devotional Contributor: Al Schierbaum
Scripture:
1 Samuel 1:1—20 “There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He 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. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD."
Observation:
Hannah and Elkanah seemed to have a good marriage. Elkanah loved Hannah and comforted her even though she could not have children. Elkanah had a second wife, Peninnah, who had no problem having children, and year after year, she would rub it in the face of Hannah for not being able to have children. Hannah wanted nothing more than to have children, and as each year went by, she became more and more desperate. One year, as Hannah went to worship, Eli the Priest overheard her in distress. Eli thought she was drunk because her weeping was so loud. Hannah told Eli that she was not drunk but was in great stress over not being able to have children. Eli comforted Hannah and told her that she would have a son. God opened Hannah’s womb and gave her a son, they named Samuel.
Application:
There are many couples in the shoes of Elkanah and Hannah. Not being able to have children, when you so much want to have a family, is agonizing especially when it goes on for many years. Not being able to have children is just one of many that bring about desperation. Finances, illnesses, separations, and justice are just a few reasons people get desperate. Hannah kept taking her desperation to the only One who could do anything about it. In due time God answered her prayer. Why God allows us to go through times of desperation can be a mystery, but one thing is for sure, when you are desperate, you cling to God with all your might. Clinging to God is always a good thing. If you are separate today or no someone who is, hold onto God and put your trust in Him. He is a faithful God who loves His children. Wait upon Him daily and let God do His work in your life!
Request:
Lord Jesus, You are the only One who can deliver me from this situation I am facing. I put my trust in You and believe You will answer when the time is right. You have been faithful to me and remain faithful all the days of my life. May Your Name be glorified. Amen