There are many good stories in the bible, but one of the loveliest is the story of Hannah and her son, Samuel. For years Hannah could not become pregnant and her husband's other wife (in those days God was trying to populate the people of Israel) drove Hannah crazy with bragging about her own children and belittling Hannah with her words and actions. Hannah appealed to the priests in the temple and the priest, Eli, listened and counseled her. Hannah, in appreciation, told Eli that when she became pregnant with a boy, the boy would be given to the Temple as God's own, to be raised as a priest.
Hannah did become pregnant and had a son whom she named Samuel and when he was weaned she took him to the Temple and gave him into Eli's hands. Samuel always followed God and was the first priest to counsel a king. Both King Saul and King David each trusted Samuel to go to God for direction that they might follow.
But, at the time of Hannah's discomfort and fear of being childless, Hannah trusted God and found peace. And how she did that is what I want to write about today. Hannah had had such fear of being childless that she had become ill. She could not eat or sleep. After speaking with Eli at the temple, she returned home well and happy. The change in her attitude may be attributed to three factors:
1) She honestly prayed to God. 2)She recognized encouragement from Eli. 3) She resolved to leave the problem with God. These three steps are the antidote for discouragement: (the above is from my Study Bible.) Tell God how you really feel and leave your problems with him. Then rely upon the support of good friends and counselors.
Getting counseling is an iffy thing. There are many fine counselors out there, but ask for recommendations. And each of us has wise friends who might give good counsel to us. Personally, I think I must choose wisely about where to go to receive counsel and will start with prayer that God will lead me to the right person.
Trusting God to guide us through our discouraging situation is first and foremost of importance. In fact, we might remind ourselves moment by moment that He is guiding us. And He will see us all the way through until the moment we can breathe easily again.
I think this next statement is worth memorizing if you have a mind to do it: Trust brings Hope and Hope reminds us: God is always present and God does not fail!
Hopefully, and lovingly, I remain
Jo of MN
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