Once she had the son, Hannah did not stop leaning on God. Her son, Samuel, grew up to be one of the most prominent Old Testament prophets and a faithful servant of the Lord. When Hannah was in deep pain, she leaned on God and God responded by giving her a son. This is God telling Joshua to be courageous before going into the promised land - to trust that He is with him (Josh 1:9) it’s Paul reminding the church in Ephesus that they are to be strong in the Lord and remember His mighty power (Eph 6:10) and it’s the sermon from Moses to the Israelites where he reminds God’s people that God will not forsake them, and for that reason, they can have strength and courage (Deut 31:6). He can be our cornerstone, holding us up through the fiercest of storms. God calls us to lean on Him, to remember that He is yours and you are His. However, we do not have to be alone during those times. Pain, loss, grief, and sorrow are all aspects of life - inevitable in a world plagued by sin. I have called you by name, you are mine.” - Isaiah 43:1b God reminded His people of this through His prophet Isaiah: Our souls become restless as we forget who is in control. Often, we can get distracted from God’s goodness by the issues in our lives. Even though she didn’t know why, she knew that God was good no matter her situation. She remained still and remembered who was in control. In her pain, Hannah didn’t hide how she felt. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” - 1 Sam 1:10-11 “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. Hannah was hurt, surely questioning why God would give children to this other woman but not her.

Additionally, the other wife was provoking Hannah, harassing her about her infertility. In 1 Samuel, Hannah was in deep pain over her struggle with fertility, while her husband's second wife had several children.

This psalm reminds us to pause and remember who our God is, and that we can always rest in Him. Perhaps we are overwhelmed with pain and loss perhaps we are overwhelmed with frustration and anger or maybe we are overwhelmed with stress over things we cannot control. I will be exalted in the earth!” - Psalm 46:10

Made to Forget... by Sam Goodno