12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
Hannah had been so upset she was on the point of physical illness. She was physically sick and unable to eat. She had a change in attitude and was able to return home well and happy. What happened to make this change? She honestly prayed to God. She received encouragement from Eli. She let go of her problem and left it with God. Do you want to cure discouragement? Tell God how you really feel. Leave your problems with him. Rely on support from good friends and counselors. You will have the weight of the world lifted off of your shoulders. Trust in God.