“In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’”
– Samuel 1:10,11
Yesterday we saw that God calls Himself Yahweh Tsebaoth, or the “Lord of Armies,” over 250 times in the Bible. Interestingly, one of the most famous usages of this particular name was by a woman named Hannah. Now Hannah’s husband’s name was Elkanah, and he was married to her and also to a woman named Peninnah. Peninnah was fertile and she gave birth to many children, but Hannah was unable to conceive. Even though Elkanah loved and favored her, she was discontent about being barren. To make matters worse, every year, she had to make a trip to Shiloh with her husband, Peninnah, and their children, who increased in number every time they went. Though their purpose in the pilgrimage was to worship the Lord, the time was excruciating for Hannah, because it was a reminder that her prayers were still unanswered. During one particular stay, she came to the “end of her rope,” stood up from the dinner table, went outside, and started begging and pleading with the Lord as she wept bitterly. She promised Him that if He would only give her a son, she would dedicate him to His service. And interestingly, when she cried out to her Redeemer that night, the name she used was “Yahweh Tsebaoth.” She knew that she was battling the spirits of doubt and discouragement, and her prayer was a call to war. Though it must have been a strange sight, her willingness to tenaciously fight with God for what she wanted is what led to her breakthrough. In fact, it wasn’t too much later that she became pregnant. My friend, your Savior is tough, and He has no problem with your honest and heartfelt pleas. If you’re distraught, discouraged, or angry, He welcomes you to approach His throne openly, without holding back your feelings. Even before you tell Him, He understands what you’re going through, and He is more than willing to fight your battle when you lay it at His feet. He is the God of Armies, and when you cry out to Him, He will dispatch a host of heavenly helpers to meet you at your point of deepest desperation and most passionate desire. |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me the freedom to come to you with my raw and desperate emotions.
Reflection
When’s the last time you “let it all hang out” in prayer? How did you feel? How did God respond?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I was trying to get Mom to do her exercises as therapy. However she didn’t want to. I begged and pleaded.Over and over again. I said to her. Mom you’ve got to get your strength back.She wouldn’t listen to me.It was a struggle. I cried out to God for strength and guidance. He said. Don’t despair. I know what you are going through. It was as if a heavy burden was lifted off my heart. I ask even now for prayers because of the continuing Covid-19’virus crises. There are still many others out there who refuse to get the vaccine. I worry about the group of Christian Aid workers that are being held hostage in Haiti. I hope and pray for their health and safe release. This is a very delicate situation over there. I also worry about our own country. We need to get down on our knees and pray that God will protect us from the evils of terrorism
and new invading strains of infectious diseases. To all at Shepherd’s Grove. I send messages of love peace and friendship. To the Schuller family. I ask in prayer that God will bless and protect them from sickness and violence. To the Hour of Power Choir and Orchestra and their directors.Sending messages of thanks and warm appreciation for the beautiful,music and singing. I remain a faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ. God bless the USA.Amen Amen