A People After Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Hannah - Dealing with Disappointment

What do you do when you are disappointed with God? Hannah knew this pain. She longed for a child, but year after year she remained childless. To make matters worse, her husband’s other wife mocked her, turning every trip to worship at Shiloh into a reminder of her deepest sorrow.

Instead of turning away from God, Hannah pressed into him. She wept, prayed, and poured out her heart in the Lord’s presence. Faith is not the absence of struggle; it is bringing our struggle to God. Hannah shows us that you don’t need to wait until you feel strong to pray. You can come to God in your weakness, your questions, and your disappointment. You don’t have to pretend with God.

Hebrews reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses... Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15–16 CSB). God is not repelled by our brokenness. He welcomes us into his presence.

But Hannah also teaches us that pride can keep us from God. She was willing to be misunderstood, even accused of drunkenness, as she prayed. Her focus wasn’t on how others saw her but on bringing her heart honestly before the Lord. How often do we let fear of what others might think keep us from asking for prayer, confessing our need, or admitting our weakness? James reminds us, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2 CSB).

Hannah’s story shows us that disappointment doesn’t have to push us away from God. She kept showing up year after year, even when her heart was heavy. She teaches us that persistence in prayer matters, that honesty with God matters, and that humility in community matters. You may not get the answer you long for, or it may not come in the timing you expect, but disappointment doesn’t have to define you.

Disappointment doesn’t have to win. When we feel hurt, waiting, or overlooked, we can battle disappointment with prayer, persistence, worship, and community. “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer” (Romans 12:12 CSB).

Reflection Question: Where are you facing disappointment right now? What would it look like this week to bring your pain honestly to God instead of hiding it?

Prayer: Father, thank you that you hear me even when my prayers are full of tears. Jesus, thank you for knowing my weaknesses and inviting me to draw near to you. Holy Spirit, help me not let pride or disappointment keep me from you. Teach me to rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer. Amen.