Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 1:6-7 (New Living Translation)

6 So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. 7 Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.

taunt: a remark made to wound someone

Peninnah and Hannah were two wives of a man named Elkanah. Peninnah had born children; Hannah had not. This was a situation from a decision from God. Let’s not forget that big point.

Peninnah, not realizing the decision of God, would taunt to hurt Hannah. Peninnah succeeded as she wounded Hannah to tears year after year.

God decides to do this and not that, that and not this. I can’t figure out why God decides some things at some times in some situations. I never will be able to figure out all that. I’m not God (and that really bothers me on bad days).

We see things; we often don’t see God’s influence on things. Things are good for me because I am good and I do things right and I and I and I and I… It’s all because of me. Wrong. Stupid. I am blessed in some ways. I wish I was blessed in a few more ways. The other fellow has some blessings I want for myself. Sigh.

One thing God does not wish is taunting. God decided to give me something. Thank you God. And God, please keep me from taunting another person because You didn’t give them that same thing. I don’t taunt out loud. Still, in my mind, well, sometimes that is another matter. Please God, help me in my unbelief.