Where Do We Go?

1 Samuel 1:15-16 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord . “Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”

As I read of Hannah's anguish, and heartfelt pleas to the Lord, I could not help but think of Job. His suffering came as a result of being a righteous man whom God held up before Satan. Hannah suffered persecution as a result of God closing her womb. However, God had a plan for Hannah's life, and the child who she would later bear, who would be the Prophet Samuel. In the midst of Hannah's anguish, she gives us the perfect example of where we should go in our times of despair. Far too often we try to solve our own problems, seeking resolutions that make sense to us. Yet, the end result is that we usually make things worse. When we find ourselves in a trial that seems like it will never end, or never go away, we sink further and further into despair; when all along we have a God who promises that we can cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever we face in our walk with the Lord, we must remember that God is always aware of what is happening, because He is the one that allows or does not allow circumstances to be what they in our lives. Our faithful God, while allowing trials, is also the ever faithful God who sees us through, walks with us, and longs that we turn to Him and trust Him for the outcome. He promised that He will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). God is not blind, is not ignorant, and did not become powerless overnight. He is Almighty, He is just, and all He does is not only for our good, but also for His glory. So, when we find ourselves in the depth of despair, we need to get on our knees, bring our pleas to Him, and rest assured that He hears us, has a plan, and a solution, long before the trial ever comes our way.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).