Hannah was a very emotional person.
She prayed with her whole soul at the tabernacle.
“She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” (1 Samuel 1:10)
Her husband didn’t understand.
“Why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8)
Why do you care so much?
Why so much emotion?
What’s even going on?
The priest Eli didn’t understand either.
“Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.” (1 Samuel 1:14)
Too many feelings.
Too much emotion.
This can’t be right.
Hannah’s heartfelt, heartbroken, sincere emotions were misunderstood by those around her.
Was she crazy? Could she be trusted?
And yet those deep emotions, that deep bitterness, led her to the Lord.
Led her to make a sacred vow.
Gave her both the broken heart and the spiritual confidence to ask for what she wanted.
Paved the way for a son to be brought into her life, one who would eventually bless all of Israel.
Hannah felt pain and sorrow and she wasn’t afraid to express it.
And when the blessing came?
So much joy that she couldn’t contain that, either.
“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.” (1 Samuel 2:1)
I am grateful for this emotional, spiritually strong woman.
And I’m thankful for the strong emotions each of us can experience, even if misunderstood by others at the time, that can lead us closer to God.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
