Peace in Despair

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Samuel 19:9-18 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord.’ 1 Samuel 1:10

Today we read of how Hannah cried to the Lord in desperation. It is often at times of despair that we give more time to God. Trouble can lead us to pray with fervency, energy, determination, and persistency. Hannah was praying so fervently that Eli thought she was drunk.

I remember a story of a girl whose life had spiralled out of control. She had lost contact with her family and had ended up imprisoned in a life of drugs, violence and prostitution. As she sat in a motel room, waiting for her next client, she turned on the radio to hear words of an old hymn her father sang to her at bedtime when she was a child.

‘Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong’

As she listened, she wept, as she was reminded of the Jesus’ deep love for her. In despair, she prayed to the Lord. The girl returned home to her father, who joyfully welcomed her with open arms. Inspired by this story of a father’s faith and his teaching of deep truths with simple songs, I have often sung these words to my daughters at bedtime. May they know that when they are weak, He is strong!

I previously served as an Army Officer, which included two tours of Afghanistan. As a young leader in my twenties I became acutely aware of my inadequacies, as I attempted to deal with the grief and trauma of those under my command. In my desire to lead my soldiers well, I discovered that the most powerful weapon I possessed was not a rifle, but prayer, and the grace of God.

So be reminded, that in the Lord Jesus we find a tender loving Saviour who can bring peace in times of despair. Just as He heard the cry of Hannah’s heart, He will hear your prayer. So go to Him and pray fervently, with an open heart.

Let us pray: O Lord, remember me, and meet me in my deepest need. Amen

The Revd Alex Oehring, Rector of Colne, St Bartholomew and Holy Trinity.