Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you’ve requested from Him.” “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent. 1 Samuel 1:17-18 HCSB
The Depression Bipolar Support Alliance reports that depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the United States population age 18 and older in a given year. Depression can develop at any age with the median age of onset at 32. Depression is more prevalent in women than in men. As many as one in 33 children and one in 8 adolescents have depression. People with depression are four times more likely to develop a heart attack than those without a history of the illness.
Hannah had been depressed because of her inability to have children, and especially a son. Evidently her depression had caused her to stop eating. This Scripture tells us that she ate and no longer looked despondent. The antidote for her discouragement and depression was to tell God how she really felt and then leave her problem with Him. She also got some sound counsel and encouragement from Eli.
Challenge: Are you feeling depressed? You are not alone. Many people suffer from depression. Turn your problems over to God and allow Him to take care of them. Seek sound counsel from those who can offer encouragement and help you to overcome your depression.