1 Sam 1:8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

Today, let’s look at the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-20. Hannah was the prophet Samuel’s mother, but, as with many of the great things that God does, Samuel’s entry into the world wasn’t easy.  You see, Hannah longed to have children but couldn’t – and that was a big thing in her culture. People basically believed that if you were a good person who honored God, He would bless you with many children. Being childless, Hannah was looked down upon by just about everyone. Just imagine how much stress she was under.

But what action did she take? She didn’t give up. Oh no. Far from it. She poured her heart out to God, not once but time and time again. When Eli the Priest accused her of being drunk, she said, ‘No, my Lord, I am a woman deeply troubled. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Don’t regard your servant as a worthless woman for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time (1 Samuel 1:15-16).

Instead of constantly looking down at the terrible circumstances she was in, she lifted her gaze and looked upon God and, clearly distressed, poured her heart out, asking Him to do something. And what did she get in return? A peace that passed all understanding. And, eventually, God gave her the desire of her heart: a son.

My friend, too often we get lost in our pain, looking down at the problem instead of lifting our eyes to the one who can fix it! Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

If you find yourself going through a stressful time—and let’s, be honest, we all do at some point—follow Hannah’s example. Lift your eyes upward and pour out your stress to God. You don’t need to feel completely confident or have everything figured out. Come as you are. He will respond, and regardless of the outcome of your stressful situation, He will provide you with His peace.

1 Sam 2:1 Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.