Enjoy The Loving Relationships God Has Given-Exchange Selfpity for Hope.. 1Sam1

Hannah knew her husband loved her, but even his encouragement could not comfort her. She could not keep listening to Peninnah's jeers and letting Peninnah words erode her self confidence. Although we can not keep others from unjustly criticizing us, we can choose how we will react to their hurtful words. Rather than dwelling upon our problems, we can enjoy the loving relationships God has given us. By doing so, we can exchange self-pity for hope.

Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. She was unable to bear children; she shared her husband with a woman who ridiculed her; her loving husband could not solve her problem; and even the high priest misunderstood her motives. But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem honestly before God.

Each of us may face times of barrenness when nothing 'comes to birth' in our work, service, or relationships, it is dificult to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But as Hannah discovered, prayer opens the way for God to work.