Let Jehovah Soothe You - WHAT WE LEARN FROM FAITHFUL HANNAH

Despite her problems, Hannah went regularly with her husband to Jehovah's place of worship in Shiloh.  (1 Samuel 1:1-5)  It was while Hannah was the tabernacle that the High Priest Eli encouraged her by saying that Jehovah was respond in prayer. - 1 SAMUEL 1:9, 17.

We can regain peace if we continue attending congregation meetings.  The opening prayer at our meetings often includes a request for God's spirit to be with us. Peace is part of the fruitage of that spirit.  (Galatians 5:22) When we attend our meetings even though we are under stress, we give Jehovah and our brothers and sisters the opportunity to encourage us and to help us regain peace of mind and heart.  Prayer and meetings  are key ways that Jehovah uses to soothe us.  (Hebrews 10:24, 25)  Note another lesson we can learn from Hannah's experience.

The cause of Hannah's anxiety did not go away immediately.  When Hannah returned home from worshipping at the tabernacle, she had to live in the same household  as Peninnah did.  And the Bible does not indicate that Peninnah's  attitude changed.  So Hannah likely had to continue enduring her rival's stabbing words.  But Hanna was able to  regain and maintain her inner peace. Recall that after leaving the matter in Jehovah's hands, Hannah no longer felt overwhelmed by worry. She allowed Jehovah to comfort and soothe her.  Sometime later, Hannah was even blessed when children of her own! - 1 SAMUEL 1:19, 20; 2:21. 

We can regain our peace even if the cause of our anxiety remains.  Even though we pray intensely and attend meetings regularly, some problems may persist. But from Hannah's example, we learn that nothing can stop Jehovah from soothing our troubled heart. Jehovah will never forget us, and sooner or later he will reward our faithfulness.  - HEBREWS 11:6.

Next time: Let Jehovah Soothe You - WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL

From the jw.org publications