But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, l am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. – (I Samuel 1:15)
This past week l was studying the story of Hannah and l was challenged. You can read the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1:1 – 28 and Chapter 2: 1 – 11. Hannah was nor prophetess or famous queen in her time, in fact, she was just an ordinary woman like you and l. I believe we can all relate to Hannah in one way or another. We are all longing for something, we are praying for a blessing in our lives. For Hannah, it was the blessing of a male child. I can understand Hannah’s grief because in her time not having a male child meant no security in one’s old age and not having a child was seen as a curse in those times. But what attracts me to Hannah was that she was a woman of faith. Even though Peninnah provoked her and Hannah wept bitterly she knew who to turn to. She did not turn to her husband Elkanah and beg him to do something. Instead, she went to the tabernacle and there she poured out her heart to God.
Hannah did not just murmur a prayer under her breath. She POURED OUT her heart to God. You see l absolutely love that statement. Because for me when l pour out my heart to God. I aim to empty myself of all my worries, to cry and let it all flow out. The words “Pour out” in the dictionary are defined as “to express without restraint” or “to tell someone your secret feelings and things that worry you.” In the Old Testament the word “pour out” is used in connection with Prayer. One of my favourite verses that l am always sharing is found in Psalm 62:8 which says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.“ I believe pouring out your heart to God is one of the most heartfelt, and earnest prayers that one can ever pray because we are emptying ourselves of what we are, what we have, our pain, our longings and our dreams and asking God to fill us up with what He has for us.
Hannah was so lost in her prayer that she was not aware of her surroundings. She was so lost in pouring out her heart to her Lord of Hosts. Hannah believed that God is all-powerful, He is the ruler of the entire universe and all the power and authority are His. She believed that God could give her victory in this burden that she had. After all, He was the Lord of hosts, the sovereign God who commands the armies of Heaven.
Who is God to you? As you pour our your heart to Him, what do you call Him? Do you mean it? Is he Jehovah Jireh your provider? Is he Jehovah Shammah, because He will never leave you nor forsake you? Is he Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals you? Search the word of God and find all His names and call upon His name. Have a personal and close relationship with God. When you call upon His name, believe what His name means and cling to it. His name is power. Be very honest with God about your situation today. Cling to Him and cling to His promises.
God has a blessing with your name on it, all He wants you to do is to claim it. God already knows your desires. He already knows your longings. God’s plan for your life is much bigger than you can imagine. All he asks is that you have Faith in Him and trust His timing and plans for your life. The reality is that God will not always reveal the answer to your prayers the moment you open your eyes but you need to believe that God has heard and the answer will be revealed in due time, in the perfect time. In His own time and His own way.
I don’t know what you are praying for today, l do not know who you are interceding on behalf of. But the one thing l do know is that the same God who answered the prayer of Hannah will answer your prayer today. Jesus is as willing to listen to prayer today as He was when He walked upon the earth. E.G.White writes that “Those who seek God in secret telling the Lord their needs and pleading for help, will not plead in vain. Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” Seek the Lord, Let Him help you. Let Him strengthen you and refocus you. Pour your heart out to Him tonight. Have Faith in God and let Him lead you and direct you.
Prayer changes lives. God knows your need. If He does not meet it, it simply means you do not need it at this time. Trust God. He knows best.
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