Where Do You Go in Times of Anguish?

 Where Do You Go in Times of Anguish?

Anguish tests us—not just our emotions but also our soul, doesn’t it? Although there are many types of anguish, the kind we will focus on here is anguish caused by others. No one likes to be insulted. It deeply shakes our self-esteem and self-worth, right? But during those moments, how do we react?

There are many things we cannot control—one of them is how others behave toward us. But what we can always control is how we respond.

Let’s look at two biblical characters: Sarah (Sarai) and Hannah. Both went through similar situations. In ancient times, not having children was often looked down upon. Motherhood was considered a source of pride. Both Sarah and Hannah experienced rejection—Sarah was despised (Genesis 16:4), and Hannah was provoked (1 Samuel 1:6).

How did they respond?

Yes, the world was unfair to them. Yes, they had every right to retreat into self-pity. Yes, their situations were miserable and difficult to endure. But how did they choose to respond? Both approached their suffering very differently.

Sarai’s Response: Anger

When Sarai’s maidservant despised her, she felt hurt and humiliated. However, instead of seeking comfort in God, she responded with anger. Surprisingly, she directed her frustration toward Abraham:

Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.” – Genesis 16:5

She took matters into her own hands and complained to Abraham, seeking justice.

Hannah’s Response: Prayer

Hannah faced a similar situation. Peninnah provoked her, likely boasting about her many children. Being mocked for something beyond her control must have been painful. In her distress, Hannah wept and refused to eat (1 Samuel 1:7).

But how did she respond? She poured her anguish out to the Lord.

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. – 1 Samuel 1:10

Two Different Outcomes

You already know the endings to both stories:

Sarah waited another 13 years before receiving her blessing.

Hannah received hers almost immediately.

In Times of Anguish, Where Do We Turn?

Do we respond in anger, taking matters into our own hands?

Or do we respond in prayer, surrendering our pain to God? So the choice is ours

Anger or Prayer? 

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