One of the hardest things about living a life before the Lord is undergoing hardship and bitter experiences. Hard circumstances are bad enough, but the thought that God does not care enough about me to prevent such hardship can be excruciating. The result is that such circumstances can bring about a bitterness of soul that can be far worse than any trial we are undergoing. This was the burden that Hannah was bearing, day after day, year after year. Her wounds were continually fresh, and to make it worse, one in her very home was rubbing salt into those wounds. What could she do? What would you do? There are a number of strategies Hannah could have tried, but the good news for those of us who suffer under hardship is that Hannah provides a way forward that deals with not only the circumstances but also the bitterness of soul that can enslave us. Hannah took her burden to the Lord and poured out her heart to the only One who is able to know our true needs and bring true solutions. When we feel lost and weak under the hand of dark circumstances, it is good for us to remember that God is not absent; He is at work, bringing about His purposes in His time, for our ultimate good. We must trust the Lord more than ever “When God Seems Invisible” (1 Samuel 1:1-2:11)