“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” 1 Samuel 1:10.

Hurts, disappointments, discouragement, and other ills that hurt way down deep in our souls can get the best of us sometimes. But I appreciate the story of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel; she understood where to turn when the load got too heavy. The scripture tells us, “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” 1 Samuel 1:10.

In the account of Hannah’s discouragement, the Word of the Lord states: “And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.” 1 Samuel 1:6. We need to understand that Satan uses people and things to provoke us. The second wife of Hannah’s husband, named Peninnah, constantly rubbed it in her face that she was barren. 

Note that over 2,000 years ago, in the Ancient Northeast, being barren was a disgrace. A woman’s primary social value and religious duty was to produce offspring. But Hannah knew how to take it to the Lord in prayer. And yes, God hears the cries of His children!  Hannah was blessed to be the mother of the prophet Samuel and several other children. “And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2: 21.

Are there worries or hurts that you are holding on to right now? Undue stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, heartaches, and even physical illnesses are a result of our inability to let go and let God. Jesus bids us to come…“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Prayer is heavy artillery for the child of God. It is our main weapon in hard times. When we fall to our knees and surrender, turning it over to the Lord, it shows our trust in God to work it out, rather than trying to fight in our own strength. 

It’s true that when we fight all our battles on our knees, God wins every time!  “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto  Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

My friends, stop at this very moment; let go of whatever cares are on your heart, by taking them to the Lord in prayer! He sees, He hears, He knows, and He will deliver! “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

May you find comfort in the last stanza of the beloved hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus:

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer:  -Joseph Scriven

God’s blessings and peace be with you all.