| I Samuel 1:1-2:21; John 5:1-23; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 14:28-29
“While she was praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her lips. Hannah was speaking to herself, and although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk and scolded her, ‘How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!’ ‘No, my lord,’ Hannah replied. ‘I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord. Don’t think of me as a wicked woman; I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.’ 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 appeared downcast.” (I Samuel 1:12-18)
How about that huh. What do you think about being in church, heartbroken, pouring out your heart in prayer and the preacher comes over to tell you to sober up. Eli is thinking, “This woman has problems because she’s drunk. How disrespectful!”
It’s easy to pass a quick judgment. We’ve all been guilty of it. Most of us have probably been on the other side as well, you know, folks thinking badly of you before they know all the truth. It is totally necessary to find out all of the facts before convicting a person or treating them harshly. If we are unable to do so then our best bet is to keep our mouths shut. Oooohhh, did you say that. Yup. It’s the truth. Rash assessments cause a lot of offense and damage. I do appreciate how Eli was quick to come back with a blessing though. That would probably be the best response if you find you’ve jumped out too quick and misread the room. Humble yourself and turn it around by making things right.
If you happen to find yourself in Hannah’s position, then don’t be offended. Realize that people are just people and sometimes they are going to jump to conclusions. It’ll all come out in the wash; the truth will always outlive a lie. Hannah kept a good spirit, explained herself and received the blessing for it.
PRAYER:
Lord, I ask You to help me take my time in making determinations concerning particular situations and the people involved. Lord, if it’s none of my business, help me to keep my nose out of it and if it does have something to do with me, teach me to correctly discern and act accordingly. I pray to be humble and make things right if I miss it with a person. I don’t want to damage anyone. I’d also like to pray that You would give me the strength to stay far from offense if someone has me wrong. I trust You. It’s in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. |
