When they Don't Understand - Daughters of the Creator

Hannah, why do you weep?

1 Samuel 1:8

There are times we have pain that our loved ones can’t understand. They have good intentions, but they may miss the mark. This happened to Hannah when she expressed sadness about her inability to have children. Her husband asked, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

Elkanah loved Hannah, but he couldn’t understand her grief. Many times we are surrounded by family and friends who don’t understand our struggles. It’s in those times that we need to take Hannah’s steps when her husband didn’t understand:

1st Step: Step away from the busyness of people. (Matthew 15:21)
After everyone ate and drank, Hannah got away. Sometimes it’s better if we find some time to be alone. Jesus moved away from the crowds to solitary places. Instead of getting more frustrated with people, we can quietly find alone time to gather our thoughts so that we don’t respond in the flesh.

2nd Step: Find a place to pray. (Matthew 6:6)
In Hannah’s desire to get away, she found sanctuary in God’s temple. There are many places that we can visit in our times of troubles. However, it’s best to find a place that is conducive to praying to God.

3rd Step: Cast all of our cares on God. (1 Peter 5:7)
Hannah immediately fell on her face before God seeking His intervention. When we find ourselves in this lonely place, we need to talk to God more than anyone else. Peace and strength can settle in our hearts so that we can hear from God through His word.

4th Step: Move forward in faith. (Mark 11:22)
Hannah took Eli’s blessing to heart and believed God. While we may be sidelined momentarily by doubt, we can trust in God to keep His word. Our breakthroughs will primarily happen as we keep our eyes on the Lord instead of on our situations.