1 Samuel 1:1—2:11: From Misery to Praise
WAITING IS ONE of the hardest things we do. So much of life involves waiting, and in an age of instant products, waiting irritates us. But waiting is hardest when we see the clock running on, the years going by and still our hopes and dreams are unfulfilled. Hannah knew about waiting. In a society that measured a woman's worth by her children, Hannah was barren. Year after year she waited in misery for the answer to her prayers. She had two choices: to be bitter or to continue seeking God's help. This quiet time looks at Hannah's journey from misery to praise.
Warming Up to God
What cherished hope do you increasingly fear may never be realized in your life? Talk openly with God about your physical, emotional and spiritual response to this experience of waiting.
Read 1 Samuel 1:1—2:11. »
Discovering the Word
- Why is Hannah's pain so intense (1:2-7)?
- Hannah turns to God in desperation. What does her prayer reveal about her (1:9-11)?
- Look at chapter 2. What shift do you see in Hannah's focus between chapters 1 and 2?
- What does Hannah believe about God? (Find several strong beliefs.)
- If you were describing Hannah to a friend, what would you say about her? about her gifts? about her spiritual life?
Applying the Word
- When you are bitter about your disappointments, to whom (or what) do you turn?
- What specific things can you learn from Hannah about the solution to the pain of unfulfilled hopes?
Responding in Prayer
Try speaking or writing out your own song of praise, telling God what you believe about him.
For Further Study
Waiting by Ben Patterson