When Faith Feels Far - Faithful

“Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. And she made this vow: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11, NLT)

When is the last time you were brokenhearted? Maybe it was a season that felt like forever ago. Or maybe as you read this, your current circumstances are causing your heart to race, tears to form, and the lump in your throat to swell.

Struggle.

Hardship.

Loss.

Grief.

Disappointment.

The heartaches of life seem to have a physical ache to them. And often it can send us spinning in all kinds of directions, grasping for control, and feeling tempted to give up completely.

In 1 Samuel we meet Hannah who is “crushed in spirit” due to a barren womb. As we watch Hannah wrestle out this longing with the Lord, we learn what faith really looks like in the midst of unthinkable loss and questioning.

Hannah is honest with her emotions. (1 Samuel 1:10)

• Hannah pours her heart out to God in prayer. (1 Samuel 1:11,15)
• Hannah trusts God as the ultimate giver. (1 Samuel 1:11,18)

Faith is birthed in darkness. When life gets hard and heavy, it’s tempting to run, deny, or use our own abilities to escape the hard. But we learn from Hannah’s vulnerability before the Lord that real faith isn’t in knowing how to fix or overcome, but trusting God as our ultimate help, comfort, and source of joy.

After surrendering Samuel back to God, Hannah makes a beautiful declaration of her joy in God and praising his attributes (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

Here is a summary of some of those traits:

• He is strength.
• He is rescuer.
• He is holy.
• He is unmatched.
• He is judge.
• He is in control of both life and death.
• He is the giver of wealth.
• He is for the needy and marginalized.
• He is order.
• He is protector.
• He is all-powerful.
  (Calling of Eve, Pg. 63)

As you cry out to Him, may your heart and soul be moved to worship the God who is over and working in all things.

Prayer of surrender: Dear God, in my hurt, disappointment, and grief I trust that you know, see, and care for me. Help me to cling to you. Grow faith in my head and heart as I fight doubt and fear.