Our Heart’s Desire

Our Heart’s Desire

Hannah

Read: 1 Samuel 1:2-20

Many women know firsthand the anguish of yearning for a child while being unable to conceive. For years, Tina’s heart ached as she attended her friends’ baby showers, struggling to share their joy while her arms remained empty. Mother’s Day renewed her sadness each year, as she wondered why God didn’t answer her prayers. Tina’s family and church friends continued to pray, and today Tina and her husband are the proud parents of two sons and two daughters.

Hannah lived in a society that regarded barrenness as a curse from God. Although her husband Elkanah tried to comfort her by suggesting that having him was better than having ten sons, Hannah took her heartache to the Lord. As she prayed at the Tabernacle, her anguish was so great that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. Hannah explained that she felt very discouraged and had been pouring out her heart to the Lord. Eli then blessed her and prayed that her request be granted.

We may not struggle with infertility, but like Hannah, we all have some deep, unfulfilled longing. It may be disappointment with our marriage or with our singleness. We may ache over a wayward child or a troubled relationship with a friend or relative. We may long for a change in our job, environment, home situation, or personality.

God wants us to pour out our hearts to him as Hannah did. Like Elkanah, God also wants us to be satisfied with him alone. When we learn to give God first place in our lives, our hearts will long to know him and please him above all else. Then we can rest assured that he will either grant our desires or change them so that they are in alignment with his will for us.

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Psalm 37:4