Hannah was a beloved wife of a respectable man named Elkanah. Yet not being able to bear a child, she was in deep distress. Elkanah had children from another wife, Peninah, who tormented Hannah for her barrenness. Elkanah’s affection and honor for her could not comfort her (5).

During the yearly offering and worship at Shiloh, Hannah’s anguish was at its peak. While everyone was celebrating the Lord’s blessing, Hannah wept, unable to eat, with a sense of inadequacy. The author indicates that the Lord caused her infertility (5,6). Hannah brought her sorrow and bitterness to the Lord (10). She dedicated her heart to the Lord in asking for a son and promised to give the son to serve him (11). Her desperate prayer moved even the heart of Eli the priest who was getting old and spiritually dull (12-14), He also blessed her believing that the God of Israel would answer her prayer (17).

Hannah was encouraged after pouring her heart to the Lord and receiving the words of blessing from a servant of God (18). Do you have anguish in your heart? Are you troubled and weary? Bring your heart before the Lord. He is ready to show you what great things he will do with your life.
Application: Father, I come to you in my brokenness. You are sovereign. Please comfort my heart as I put my trust in you.
One Word: I bring my anguish to the Lord.