1 Samuel 1:15, "...I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD."

1 Samuel chapter one has always been a blessing to me. There was a barren woman whose name was Hannah. She was grieved by the fact that she had no children. Her husband's name is Elkanah and he, like many men of the Old Testament, had more than one wife. His other wife is named Peninnah. Peninnah has the blessing and privilege of having children, and takes this fact and gives Hannah a hard time about her barrenness. Hannah was disturbed enough with her situation, she doesn't need Peninnah, "rubbing it in."

Hannah takes her brokenness to the tabernacle and prays at the altar before the priest Eli. Eli mistakenly thinks Hannah has been drinking, but such was not the case. Notice 1 Samuel 1:15-19, “And Hannah answered (Eli) and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. [16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. [17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. [18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. [19] And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned , and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her."

This is a great reminder of the importance of praying in faith. She was barren, this brought sorrow to this woman. God cares for us and what concerns us, also concerns Him. 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." Our prayer needs to be within the realm of God's will, and obviously the Lord used this circumstance in the life of Hannah to drive her to her knees. Her faith is demonstrated through her response after praying to the Lord and talking to Eli the priest, "..."So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad." (vs. 18)

Many, rather than praying about something that bothers them, murmur and complain to others about it. God wants us to take our cares and concerns to Him in prayer. People who constantly complain, are saying without actually uttering it, that God alone isn't able to bring joy and peace to the human heart.  Take your cares to the Lord, and speak words of faith to others that lift up the Name and ability of Christ to others.

May we be encouraged through the example of Hannah, and be men and women who turn to the Lord, praying in faith to Him. He just may be that the LORD will remember You!!! (vs. 19)

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  Have you been filled with sorrow at some time in your life?  How did you handle your sorrow?

2.  Praying in faith is vital in every situation. How did the Lord respond to Hannah's prayer?  How has the Lord responded to your prayers?

3. What action do you see in Hannah's life after her prayer to indicate she left her burden with the Lord?

4.  Are you carrying a burden that you haven't let go of?  What do you need to do about it?