1 Samuel chapter 1 verses 6 – 7 (NIV)
Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.
Some people like to rile others and to stir up trouble. Elkanah had two wives, and a family by one. Yet it seems from this account that he loved Hannah more than he did Peninah, even although Hannah had borne him no children. So just maybe Peninah was jealous of her rival. It doesn’t excuse her behaviour, but it does perhaps explain it.
This behaviour went on for a long time, and obviously wore Hannah down. But it didn’t stop her from going to the house of the LORD and pouring her heart out to Him.
It serves as a reminder to me today of how I should behave under times of stress and hardship, especially if I feel I have reached the end of my tether. I should never stay away from worshipping in God’s house, and I should take all my burdens to Him. Surely in such times there is no greater relief than to cast all our cares and burdens onto Jesus, as He told us to. Then, even if we continue to be tested or taunted, we can stand not in our own strength, but in His.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that the safest place in times of stress and grief is to be where You are, and to find release in worshipping You. May I never forget that. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.