a remedy for a Sorrowful Heart
In the midst of this rapidly approaching Christmas season, I want to write on a topic that may seem entirely irrelevant. Yet, because of a handful of conversations God had given me the privilege to take part in, I felt it was appropriate.
Biblically, it’s referred to a “sorrowful heart”. Presently it’s referred to feeling depressed or anxious or in despair.
I recognise most find it very uncomfortable opening up about the hurt they feel inside. We are a society that’s very good at masking our true thoughts and feelings. I don’t want to discuss the “why” because every situation is genuine and unique. I want to share a Biblical remedy to peace.
Hannah of First Samuel found herself in this state because she was unable to bear any children. The bible claims
her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret,... ( 1 Sam 1:6 KJV)
Fret means to feel anxious and worried
… as he did so year by year…
…therefore she wept, and did not eat. (vs. 7)
…she was in bitterness of soul…(vs.10)
While her family was feasting and celebrating, Hannah was weeping. Often the case, although everyone around may be on with their lives, everything for the individual has come to an abrupt end. Even the simple enjoyment of food has gone.
While her family continues to feast, Hannah withdraws herself from the crowd and gets alone with God (goes to the temple).
…and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly… As she continued praying before the LORD… Hannah was praying in her heart…(vs. 10-13)
Hannah had opened up entirely to the Lord. She brought everything that was causing her anguish up to the surface before the Lord and hid nothing.
Notice, she continued praying. Persistence is key. It is in our nature to easily give up upon not receiving what we ask in our timing. Hannah was persistent.
When Eli the priest noticed her, he assumed she was drunk. But Hannah answered
No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. (vs. 15)
In her detached time with the Lord, Hannah had disconnected herself from all other tangible (pleasurable) experiences that might have distracted her from connecting with God. Drinking wine was a common social activity at the time, even among the people of God. There are things we naturally crave, not even sinful, that we may need to abstain from for a time, just to set our focus entirely on God.
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him… So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. (vs. 17)
Hannah had received a word from God. There was no physical evidence of her receiving what she was asking for at the time. However, a word from God had brought light into her dark situation. Notice Hannah did not go looking for Eli, Eli came to her. She was seeking God and he sent his answer through Eli. There are many ways that God can deliver his word when we wait on him. When received however, it causes something to change on the inside. It brings peace.
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD…
Although Hannah no longer needed to pour her grief out to the Lord, she continues to seek him in worship.
In support, I also want to briefly highlight a chapter from Psalms
Give thanks to the LORD…whom he has redeemed from trouble… their soul fainted within them… Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress… For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things… Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery… Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress… They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door… He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave… Let them give thanks to the LORD… (Ps. 107 sporadically)
Notice the similarities found in this exert from the psalmist to our analysis of Hannah’s experience. It was a word from God that delivered them.
At first glance it may seem that Hannah received her word upon her first attempt. Yet the Bible says that she had been troubled year by year. Her persistence however did not diminish with time, but yet got stronger.
On a personal note…
I do admit having gone through seasons of sorrow and despair at a point in my life. Looking back, I can only say that it was the perfect storm. A series of undesirable events had occurred, including the loss of someone very close to me that had put my life to a serious halt. Although I was surrounded with support, I felt like I wasn’t living but simply existing, year after year. I made seeking his presence a priority in my life and although things seemed like they were getting worse at first, it only made me more persistent (and I’m grateful to God for that).
God had sent a gifted vessel of the church into my life with a message stating “I want you to get even closer to me”. My initial reaction was a bit repulsed. I thought Lord, can’t you see? I turned my entire life around in attempt to know you more. But I obeyed, and decided that I needed to devout daily time alone with him. It was going to be a commitment. I did everything I can to be faithful to that commitment. And I’ll never forget the day when I felt him speak to my heart out of his word. It wasn’t an audible voice. It was like a light that began to shine into the darkness and carried indescribable joy and peace. It was a journey indeed that didn’t happen overnight. But I understand now why I had to go through what I went through and I wouldn’t trade anything of the world for it.
I don’t know what caused the perfect storm in your heart but I know the one who silences storms with his word. He desires communion with you. And perhaps this storm is the only way to get your attention off temporal things and look to him. Take this as an invitation to make or renew your commitment to him. Become personally acquainted with the Prince of Peace and allow his peace to rule in your heart.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (col. 3:15 NIV)
There is a preparation of the heart that is needed to move from the wilderness of fear to the garden of God’s grace. Outside of Christ we are all in our own wilderness, the feeling of detachment from God and His goodness. However, in His presence is a paradise of peace and comfort. So prayerful followers of Jesus continually prepare for the Lord to sup with them in the sanctuary of their souls. You prepare in anticipation of His presence.
-Boyd Bailey (Wisdom Hunters)
Supporting texts
Whose foundations were swept away by a flood?...Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart,... you will be restored. (Job 22: 16-23)
See other posts
Faith comes from hearing, One thing is Needful , There is Purpose for the Wilderness, A new Journey, Pursue him
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