Trust in [God] at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Hannah came to the temple and poured out her misery and troubles to the Lord. She was without a child but her husband’s other wife had children, and she never let Hannah forget it. How vigorously did Hannah pour out her troubles to God? Observing her, Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk and chastised her. Hannah let him know otherwise, and he told her to go in peace.
- Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
When we open our hearts to God the way Hannah did, everything in us that has held us captive can pour out. As we let go of these things, the Holy Spirit gentles us, helping us to rest in God, our true refuge. We find hope, and “hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5, NRSV). When we pour out our misery, trials, and fears to God, we will be wrapped in grace. God pours love into our hearts and brings us healing.
Prayer
Holy God, may we never lose faith in your healing power. Fill us, we pray, with your blessed hope. Amen.
Prayer focus Hope for those in despair
““‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” -Leviticus 19:18
