What's Troubling You?

Poor Hannah can't catch a break from her husband's other wife (it's like Sister Wives, but Peninnah isn't exactly playing nice). She is constantly provoking her because she can't have a baby. Hannah is heartbroken. For years her rival has been irritating her, even when she goes up to the house of the Lord. She is provoked to the point that she won't even eat.

Hannah is deeply troubled. She breaks down. She weeps bitterly while praying, to the point that she is accused of being drunk. She is quick to defend herself. Pouring out her soul to the Lord, she has been praying out of her great anguish and grief.

What I love about this passage is what comes next (before the great part where God answers her prayers and she becomes pregnant). The Bible tell us in this great story that Hannah goes on her way, has something to eat, and her face is no longer sad. Some versions say her face was radiant and no longer downcast.

Now, I'm no scholar. Maybe, her face is no longer sad because she's had something to eat. But, I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with it (in fact, I think the point is that she now could eat because she was relieved from her distress). I mean, unless it was chocolate, then maybe. Hannah has poured out her soul before the Lord. He has made her radiant and she is no longer distressed. That's better than chocolate my friends.

What's troubling you today?

Are your feelings hurt? 
Is your bank account too low? 
Have you been betrayed? 
Are your children driving you crazy? 
Are you in need? 
Are you physically ill? 
Have you lost a loved one?

Whatever it is, I hope you will pour out your soul before the Lord as Hannah did. And before your circumstances have a chance to change He will make you radiant. Ask Him to transform your mind and renew your thinking. Tell Him in all honesty whatever it is that's hurting. You're not going to surprise Him. You might not think it possible, but He may just surprise you when you walk away and feel made new again. I know because I've done it.


"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2

The story of Hannah starts in 1 Samuel 1.

Do you have a personal relationship with God?  

It's more than calling yourself a Christian, or growing up in a church home. 
You can read my personal story here. 
If you'd like to know more about this personal relationship this is a great resource.