1 Samuel 1:8, “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?”
In 1 Samuel chapter one we find a precious sister named Hannah who desired to have a child. According to 1 Samuel 1:5 “the LORD had shut up her womb” and she was barren. Hannah, in her longing desire to have a son, “was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept” (1 Sam 2:10). Eli, the priest of the Lord in Israel, saw her grief and thought she was drunk with wine when he witnessed her lips moving, without the sound of her voice, in prayer. Hannah truly believed that God was able to help her in her longing desires. Her prayers were those in faith, believing in Him who does those things which are impossible with man.
In our study verse, we find Hannah’s husband conversing with his precious wife. Elkanah loved Hannah and in 1 Samuel 1:5 we read about his love for her and all that he gave to her to show it. I’m sure that Hannah was thankful for all that Elkanah did for her, but Elkanah’s words reveal his feeling neglected for his efforts to give happiness to his wife. It seems that Hannah, in her prayer and longing desires, forgot to show her thankfulness for what she had.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the lesson of this portion of scripture finds an amazing application to all the children of God throughout the generations. I’m very happy and am blessed to know about the Lord who hears the prayers of His precious children. The Lord, in his amazing mercy, hears and answers the pleads of those He loves. Yet in our prayers, how many times do we forget to be thankful and show our thankfulness for all that He has done for us. Every child of promise should be encouraged to call unto Him Who loves them with an unchangeable love, yet at the same time we should always be thankful for His rich blessings which we have experienced. I’m often reminded of a verse found in Philippians 4:6 which reads, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Amen!