The books of Samuel open with an account of abounding sorrow. Specifically, we are introduced to Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, who for years suffered the loss and shame of being childless. The Scriptures do not sentimentalize sorrow. Hannah’s misery is on full display. Her pain was especially acute in the tabernacle as she bore the mockery of Peninnah and yet we are inspired by her faithful perseverance. Indeed, Hannah sets an example for us as she seeks the Lord in prayer out of the depths of her sorrow. This she does because, however bitter have been her experiences, she still knows that the Lord of Hosts is a God who hears the cries of his people.

Eventually, for his own purposes and in kindness to Hannah, God granted her years-long prayer for a son. We are told that she conceived a son “in due time,” a reminder that this child came along at just the time the Lord had ordained, and the child was given the name Samuel which means “the Lord hears,” or “heard by the Lord.” What an appropriate name for a child prayed for, for so long.

God’s nature as the One who both hears the prayers and acts on behalf of his people should be the great motivating factor in persevering prayer. Hannah’s years of praying without receiving an answer were no doubt used by the Lord to prepare her to receive an answer that would, in the end, be a far greater blessing than even she could have imagined. God hears you, Christian. He cares for you in such a way that not a single one of your sorrows will be wasted as you cast your cares upon him (1 Peter 5:7).