We begin our series in 1 and 2 Samuel with the story of Hannah. Her culture

tells her that she is valued only if she bears children, but she is barren.

This causes great distress. Her husband Elkanah tries to be kind, but

unwittingly simply replaces one sort of cultural expectation and oppression

with another (that her worth can be found in being a loved wife). Hannah

chooses instead to pray and seek God. In doing so she gives both herself

and her potential pregnancy to God, and it is this process of surrender

that brings joy and peace. Moreover in her rejoicing she hints at a greater

peace that is to come- not just for her, but the whole world. God’s

anointed Messiah is coming, the prince of peace, to end all anguish and

strife. When we can come before him in prayer and submission, he carries us

free from the burdens that cultural expectation look to oppress us with,

and we can as Hannah did before, live in peace and joy.