I Samuel 1:15
‘But Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD.”‘
Hannah understood why she was so distressed, she was oppressed in spirit. The other wife would ridicule her barrenness. This state was hurtful enough without being bullied by another. It was further damaging in that this woman shared a house with her. As far as we know she didn’t have people close to her to share this burden. Her husband was self focused and couldn’t see her grief. Because of this, she was very oppressed in spirit.
Oppression comes from the outside. It can be from a circumstance (barrenness) or a person (the other wife). In Hannah’s case, it was both. Hannah had great sadness, but also had no rest. One’s home is to be a sanctuary from a harsh world. Hannah didn’t have that. This lack of margin from a hostile person was the source of her oppression. It was deep.
If we are in Christ, He manages our circumstances. Our selfishness can complicate that. But assuming it doesn’t, we will still have rough times. We will go through times when we face oppression. The early church faced persecution. Hannah was a godly woman who had difficulties. We will as well.
While it may seem intolerable, He won’t allow it to go beyond what we can handle (I Corinthians 10:13). That will give us hope. It may feel differently. He will provide an oasis of hope. This is where faith kicks in.
Lord, thank You that You are with us through these tough times. Help us to keep the faith.