By: Gabriela Yareliz
I began reading the book of 1 Samuel. It begins with the story of Hannah, the childless woman who wanted a child more than anything. It is a story I have referred to before, because it is one that I really love. During the festivities in Shiloh, she is upset. She won’t eat, drink—she is really upset. She decides to go to the temple and pour her heart out to God.
1 Samuel 1:10
“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.”
Eli, the priest sees her and thinks she is drunk. Hannah makes a vow to God that if He gives her that which she desires she will dedicate the child to Him. In other words, give it back to Him.
Eli has no idea what is going on, but he realizes the distress she is going through and tells her, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked him,” (17).
When Hannah left the place she was not sad or distressed anymore, she had left everything there in God’s hands.
When Samuel is born, she said, “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him,” (27).
This story is a reminder to me always. There are things we want so badly that they weigh down our souls.
How many of us do as Hannah does and remove our pride and humble ourselves, even in our bitterness and pray and weep to God.
How many of us vow to use that which we want to glorify God and honor Him. Hannah prayed and received what she wanted. She said the Lord gave her that which she asked him for.
If there is a desire weighing down on your soul, my wish to you as you pray is Eli’s wish,
“Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked him.”
GABRIELA YARELIZ 