I am touched by sheer pain and agony! To cry before The LORD allowing a temple priest to have never in all his years seen anything like it! Hannah is the woman in the Bible who wept so bitterly over her barrenness that the high priest, Eli, had never seen anything like it and thought she was drunk!
The Story of Hannah’s Agony
- The Deep Pain: Hannah was deeply distressed because she could not have children. Her pain was worsened by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, who taunted her constantly about it.
- The Prayer at the Temple: During an annual family trip to the tabernacle at Shiloh, Hannah threw herself before the LORD. She was weeping uncontrollably and praying silently in her heart—her lips were moving, but no sound came out.
- The Priest’s Reaction: Eli the priest was sitting nearby and watching her. Because he had never seen anyone pray with such silent, intense agony, he assumed she was intoxicated and rebuked her, saying, “How long will you stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
- The Resolution: Hannah corrected him, explaining she was pouring out her soul to God from deep grief. Eli then blessed her, saying, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” God later answered her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel.
Sarah also suffered greatly from barrenness in the Book of Genesis, but her story involves laughing in disbelief when told she would have a child in her old age, rather than the specific temple scene with the priest. I will note here that God sees and knows all things!
Sarah laughed silently to herself when she overheard that she would bear a son at 90 years old.
The Story in Genesis 18
- The Promise: Three divine visitors told Abraham that Sarah would have a son by the next year.
- The Reaction: Sarah laughed inwardly because both she and Abraham were very old and past the age of childbearing.
- God’s Response: The Lord asked Abraham why Sarah laughed! (God sees and knows all things!) And stated, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” We can go endlessly on about this!
- The Denal: Out of fear, Sarah initially denied that she had laughed.
- The Fulfillment: Sarah later gave birth to Isaac, whose name means “he laughs,” turning her doubt and barrenness into pure joy.
The Bible teaches that God understands your inner thoughts, actions, and hidden struggles far better than you know yourself. This profound truth is explored in detail by reflections like the one on Wisdom Hunters.
What God Knows
- Your Daily Life: He knows when you sit down and when you stand up.
- Your Thoughts: He knows what you think before you even say a word.
- Your Pain: He sees the hidden hurt and silent tears that others miss.
Why This Brings Comfort
- You Are Never Alone: Even when people misunderstand you, God knows the real you.
- Grace and Growth: He does not use His knowledge to shame you, but to guide and free you.
- Safe Surrender: You can give your worries and confusion to Him because He already understands them.
By Tripp Prince
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. (NIV)
Psalm 139:1-4
The Bible reminds us over and over again of the comfort and peace that comes from being known and Loved by God. We are truly known and perfectly loved, even more clearly and truly than we know and love ourselves! In fact, it is often quite difficult for us to know ourselves well, to discern clearly our longings, needs, and deepest desires.
Simply put, what we think we need and actually need is not always one in the same. This is especially true in times of pain or suffering. We want to flag Jesus down and say, “Come over here! I’m hurting and need you to fix this right now!” And Jesus does want to heal us and comfort us, yet he desires to heal our deepest longings and truest needs, and does so even if we don’t know what that need is.
In the medical field, doctors often talk about treating the underlying issue rather than simply focusing on the presenting symptom. I wonder if this is true of our spiritual lives as well? Could it be that Jesus, the Great Physician, wants to free us from our sorrow and pain, yet does so by working his healing into the core of our very being? And in light of this, what does it mean for us to be calm in the midst of chaos, peaceful in the most unlikely of places?
Since God knows us better than we even know ourselves, we are free to take a deep breath, open our hands, and with humble hearts say to God, “Even in the midst of chaos and great pain, I trust that You know my deepest need. So I won’t try and run past You or tell You what’s best. I choose to instead acknowledge my limitations and weakness, trusting that You are always working for my good.”
In the mystery and beauty of God’s wisdom, instead of simply erasing pain and brokenness, He heals it by taking it upon Himself and transforming it in the process. We see this perfectly and powerfully on the cross as Jesus takes death upon Himself so that through it He can speak life and victory.
Take heart today and trust that the thing in your life that feels like it might be your undoing can instead be something you offer to God for healing and restoration. Though it may seem improbable or even impossible, nothing is too great for a God Who knows you better than you know yourself!
Prayer
Father, thank You that You know us and Love us perfectly. Teach us to trust You in every situation and circumstance, believing that You work it for our good and Your glory. Amen.
Application What trial are you facing that you need to hand over to God with an open hand, trusting in His goodness and care for you?