Hannah
“I have…poured out my soul before the LORD.” —1 Samuel 1:15
Read 1 Samuel 1:1-18
Hannah had a beautiful name which means “the graceful one.” At first sight, her life seemed to be rosy. She was the preferred wife of Elkanah, the real love of his heart, favoured above Peninnah. Socially, then, she seemed to be more important than Peninnah. But these things were deceptive, for Hannah carried a great burden in her life: she had borne no children. This was considered shameful in Israel, and her society saw this as punishment for some sin she had committed. Peninnah, also challenged her because Elkanah loved Hannah more.
Poor Hannah! She experienced much misery, and we read that she was in great bitterness of soul and sorrowed greatly (v. 10). Can you sympathize with Hannah? Have you ever experienced the difference between outward appearances and the inward reality of life? People may be jealous of your appearance, skills or possessions, but do not know how you suffer inwardly, with many problems and much sorrow. But look at Hannah, whose name possibly says it all. She was not filled with malice or a quarrelsome spirit, but prayed unto the Lord.
What is the power of prayer?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Education Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.