WAITING: The Story of Hannah
1 Samuel 1, Psalm 40:1, Titus 2:13
Song: It is Well by Bethel
Initially, Hannah is described as deeply distressed, anxious, and troubled in spirit by her inability to bear children. In the Old Testament, women honored their husbands through having sons to carry on the family name and legacy. Hannah struggled to conceive, which brought her shame and guilt as she was mocked and ridiculed by those around her. However, in a time of desperation she went to the tabernacle, the arc of the covenant Moses was commanded to build, and there pleaded with the Lord. While Hannah was experiencing suffering, God was shaping her into the faithful daughter she was meant to be. As she called out to Him, God was revealing his grace in directing her desires towards His kingdom. Hannah was met by Eli, the priest at the tabernacle, who took her as a drunken woman. Through her heart of anguish, Eli gave her the assurance of God’s hope and peace. God is our great provider; He delivers the things we need, for our good and His glory.
The story of Hannah is about waiting on the Lord’s plan. God had withheld the gift of children from Hannah so that she would draw close to Him and look to Him for guidance over everything else. As Hannah prayed, worshipped, and sought after the Lord, she eventually became a mother. While He is gracious to us, He wants us to be patient and trust that His ways are for our good. There is beauty in Hannah’s story because it is one that resembles the gospel. She kept her promise in sacrificing her son so that he could live and die to glorify the Lord. Samuel signifies reconciliation to the kingdom, which brought God the honor that He is worthy of. Hannah’s life was used to represent the absolute sovereignty and glory that God deserves.
Where in your life do you need to desperately plead with the Lord? Where can you faithfully surrender the desires of your heart? Through stories like this, it is proven that when we sacrifice ourselves, the Lord provides what we need, when we need it. Where do you need to see His deliverance? God wants you to draw close to Him. Wherever you are right now is where He has led you. Despite your circumstances, He wants you to give Him control, to trust in Him, and to hope for the future that He holds in His hands. I pray that we would be people who don't boast, look at what we have, or run to the people in our lives, but rather go to God who has given it all to us. He continues to wait for your return and to call on Him. The Lord brought Hannah to a season of waiting, and through that He delivered the desires of her heart while drawing her closer to Him. His ways are good and glorious. Meditate on where you need to wait on the Lord because of who He is and what He has done.
