Peninnah is an obscure character in the Bible. She was married to the same man to which Hannah, the mother of Samuel was married. All we know about Peninnah was that she was Hannah’s rival (1 Samuel 1:6). She tormented Hannah because she had children and Hannah had none. In short, she was a “bully,” not with her fists, but with her words. She exploiting Hannah’s weakness, and tried to make her miserable…and did.

Question: Do you have a Peninnah in your life? A rival? Someone who tries to exploit your weaknesses? Someone who searches out ways to hurt you, and devalue you? Maybe it’s a co-worker or even a spouse. I have met many people who have absolutely no self-esteem because they have been so “bullied” by another person that they feel worthless.

Friends, before you begin to believe what your Peninnah has to say about you, and cave to her pressure, you need to remember what the Psalmist said about you.

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, The moon and the stars, which you have ordained, Who is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:3-5).

Next time you’re tempted to believe what your rival has said about you, please remember that your worth is not measured by the people or the events around you. You are of incomprehensible worth to the God who made you! Revel in that truth rather than wallow in Peninnah’s lie.

Steve Higginbotham