Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17 (NIV)
Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been frontline news for our nation since 9/11. Toward helping warriors in these conditions, one dimension seems clear. Warriors need understanding.
All of us need understanding, particularly when going through tough times. This Scripture verse relates to a Hebrew wife named Hannah who was going through a trial. She had been unable to give her husband a son. Hannah was crushed. See 1 Samuel 1:1-19.
One day as she prayed at the temple and poured out her heart to God, she was overheard by Samuel the prophet. He mistakenly assumed she was drunk and told Hannah to knock off her drinking.
Bad move. Completely wrong! Hannah was devastated at being misunderstood. She explained her grief to Samuel, and this time he got it right. He showed her understanding.
He couldn’t fix the problem, but he did support her and offered a prayer that God would grant her request. His understanding brought Hannah peace.
Understanding shown toward others can bring amazing results.
