Today’s scripture: 1 Samuel 1:3-8, 12-19 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen):
Hannah wanted something that seemed unattainable: she had begged and cried for a son. I’m sure she felt like less than a woman because she seemed unable to do the most basic function of a wife — bear a child. To add insult to injury, her husband’s other wife (Peninnah) continuously taunted her about her inability to conceive to such an extent that it caused Hannah to lose her appetite and cry inconsolably. Although the author of Samuel mentions only that Peninnah taunted her at this yearly ceremony, I’m sure that this torture was a regular event. Imagine living with a woman who is low enough to make her cry during a holy ceremony. You know she must have been pure evil at the market or the dinner table.
I have met many “Penninahs” in my lifetime. She comes in different forms, but that evil flickering forked tongue is still the same. It is frustrating and discouraging to pray and work for something that does not materialize. But it is defeating to then have someone, who is blessed with the very thing you want, humiliate and taunt you.
I have been struggling with breaking some bad eating habits over the past year. I have really grown in this area and worked hard create new healthy habits. However, people still refer to me as “heavy”, “big boned” and “large.” I had one person even tell me to give up, this will be the best I will be, given my age and all. Mind you, she was not overweight, older than I am, and with the same number of children.
When Hannah got to this point in her life, she prayed so passionately and intensely that she appeared drunk. The priest hears her grievances, blesses her and tells her to go — in peace. Don’t miss that. She had not received her blessing before she was expected to be at peace. Man, it is truly difficult to be a peace where I am, where we are all — in the midst of strife and trial. When I read this, I think to myself “Can I really be at peace in my heart without results and while being constantly taunted?” Wow, Hannah had a true test of faith with that command. However, she rose to the challenge and was rewarded.
In the NIV, verse 20 is translated as:
“So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
What stood out to me was “in the course of time.” I was encouraged by that. It reminded me that not all things happen at the same time for everyone. Hannah did not conceive immediately but it did come to pass.
I believe God hears my prayers and I believe God hears yours, too. I know that our blessing will come in due time. Let us work hard to be at peace where we are, knowing that God loves you. Don’t allow the “Penninahs” of the world to kill your hope and faith.
Prayer for the day: Thank you, God, for hearing me. Please protect our ears and hearts from the wicked and hurtful words of the “Penninahs” in our lives. We have worked hard for the desires of our hearts and ask that you bless us when you see fit. In the meantime, help us to be patient and keep us at peace. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.