God created humans with a unique desire to
please those who are important to their well-being, like a husband or wife,
because pleasing is a source of happiness. The struggle to please becomes stressful
where hope is diminishing or doesn’t exist. When Leah’s first son was born, her
hope was, "Surely my husband will love me now."
Leah's
struggle for acceptance is also evident after her third son is born. Listen to
her desperation. “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, even
though he doesn’t love me, because I have given him three sons.” Her desire to
please Jacob is sad because no matter how much she gives, he will not love her
as he does Rachel.
In
observing Jacob, Leah and Rachel, it’s apparent each is doing his or her best
in a situation strained with tension and unhappiness. In the depths of
unhappiness, Leah focused on the Lord God who gave her comfort and security. He
will do the same for you when you seek him with all your heart, soul, strength
and mind.
