Hannah suffered so much humiliation because she was barren that she wept always even when she went to Shiloh for prayer and sacrifice. However she did not succumb to the humiliation. If we trust God, we must not weep in times of adversity as people without hope but we must rather praise God for such is his wish for us in Christ Jesus.
The tears in our lives
We weep when we are sad and so did Hannah. She evaluated her circumstances and the mocking of Peninnah. Sadness that causes weeping could come from any source and in many ways. However, weeping should not lead us to destruction. Hannah chose to resolve her challenges before God in a positive way. Hannah prayed in the bitterness of her soul and wept sore unto the Lord yet she did not go cursing Peninnah or revenge which could derail her focus of praising God. She rightly identified her problem and sought God’s intervention so she received results. We must not lose focus on Jesus in times of challenges or adversity for he always cares.
Hannah however wept as a human being yet trusted God in faith. Hannah was provoked to the point where she wept and did not eat even at the house of the Lord. It is natural to weep. Peter wept when he realized he had betrayed Jesus, Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72. He wept because of his own weakness of betrayal from cowardice. Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, Luke 19:41. It was because of man’s helplessness in a lost world. Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus, John 11:35. This is due to the unbelief of those he loved. Jesus said weep for yourselves, and your children, Luke 23:28. This is because of our lack of vision of what awaits us after death in eternity for perishing souls.
Changing her circumstances
She went to seek the face of God, patiently waited before God, and had faith that only God can solve her challenge. How often do we pour out our hearts to God in prayer? Do we call God in troubled times, Psalms 50:15; Jeremiah 29:12. Stop weeping and call upon God in your challenges or troubles and he shall answer you and restore your laughter because that is his business. We will cease weeping when we know the right source and the right approach as Hannah did. She was right so God answered her.
Elkannah always showed concern for Hannah though physically he could not assuage Hannah’s pain from barrenness. Sometimes we are so selfish and self-centered that the challenges of others do not bother or concern us. Elkannah was different. We have a duty to show concern through love even if the matter is beyond us for we do not solve the problem but God. Just a smile, a conversation, an advice, some companionship, some support in any way could make the difference in someone’s life.
God has chosen us to be those agents for change. Sometimes it may not even be money that a troubled soul needs but mere words of comfort or care or a prayer or reading the bible together or sharing God’s words. What makes us think we cannot be the agents of change in God’s hands? True love is embedded in selfless care and concern. Let us not be like Cain who said to God, am I my brother’s keeper, Genesis 4:9? Jesus wants us to love one another as he loved us, John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17. Paul says in Romans 13:8 that we owe no one anything, except to love one another.
Making a vow to the Lord
Hannah made a vow to the Lord that if the Lord would look on her affliction, remember her, and give her a male child, she will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head, 1 Samuel 1:11. Those who were dedicated to God had no razor touching their heads so Hannah was committed to the full requirements of God’s laws. Hannah understood the meaning of a vow to the Lord and applied herself to it. The bible says my son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, Proverbs 3:1-3; 7:3. Hannah kept God’s words on the tablet of her heart.
How often do we not change or vary or misinterpret God’s instructions to suit our selfish desires with very misconceived notions? We get misguided to pan out an excuse to justify the wrong that the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet or that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath which is utter blasphemy which the Lord hates. Do we vary our vows to please God when it amounts to dishonesty and cheating God? We will reap whatever we sow for God is not mocked.
Hannah made the vow from a sincere heart. She knew who God was and what scripture said about vows, Numbers 6:2-8; 30:3,7-8. She knew what was impossible to man was possible to God. God hears the cry of bitter souls if it is free from acrimony. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas were not good options to succeed Eli so Hannah’s prayer and vow were most appropriate and pleasing to God. It was also appropriate because she did not want the child for herself but as a dedication for God’s service. God appreciates our good sacrifices for his course.
What vow, oath or pledge have we made to God for his favour and are we ready and committed to honour same when the time comes? May our prayers be the Lord, what can I give you rather than Lord, give me this and that?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in making our vows to you help us to be truthful and honest to fulfill what we vow. Help us to give you our best rather than asking of you without end. Thank you Jesus for an answered prayer, Amen!!
