“Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” –1 Samuel 1: 16 & 17, NLT
Poor Hannah, drowning her tears and sorrows in prayer before the Lord! Albeit the conversation was private (of course!), Elkannah thought that she was a borrachona who drowned her sorrows in too much wine. And what a smack in the face did he receive when she told him that she was afflicted!
And do you know how he answered her? “Go in peace!”
At church, there was a decision I had to take: should I go, or shouldn’t I go? In the midst of all mental battles (it was considered a “Day of Deliverance”; don’t worry, no pichonesallowed), something said in my mind, “If you can’t go in peace, then don’t go at all!” This REALLY convicted me of having peace in everything I do!
Even Jesus said on John 14:27 (did I reference it earlier?), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (and this is from the NIV).” If we can’t show to the world that we can’t go in peace, then what is the worth of living this life after all?