"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22
"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22

December 26th

STRENGTH IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE

 

Psalm 37:39  But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble.

 

      Whereas trouble indicates adversity, afflictions, distress, or straits, it also means a female adversary.  That is an interesting meaning since the soul, which is feminine and includes the mind, will, and emotions, can be most adversarial to the believer if not renewed in the power of the Spirit.  Such an adversary or the carnal mind is seen clearly in Proverbs Chapter Seven through spiritual eyes. "Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner._Proverbs 7:12."    

 

     Another view of this adversary is seen in First Samuel Chapter One in Peninnah, another wife of Elkanah, toward Hannah, also his wife.   Hannah means grace. Peninnah means jewel such as a ruby; however the root meaning is corner.  Peninnah’s ideal spiritual example is seen in Proverbs 31 which describes the renewed mind or saved soul versus Proverbs 7.  Peninnah was a marred jewel that troubled Hannah whose name means grace.  Their relationship is a spiritual mirror for the graced believer who is troubled by his very own carnal mind. 

 

     1 Samuel 1:6 explains the context in which the adversarial tactics took place, and it speaks profoundly.  Penninah had children and Hannah was barren.  Barreness was the occasion of her vexation.  Hannah endured it for years.  The timing of Hannah’s cry unto God for a manchild came at a critical time.  It coincided with Elkanah’s annual trip to Shiloh to make an offering unto the LORD.  1 Samuel Chapter 1:8 reveals Elkanah’s consoling words to Hanna.  He said, "am not I better to thee than ten sons?" Elkanah means God’s possessionGod’s possession was headed to Shiloh which means he whose right it is.  Ten sons represent the Law and God’s true possession will always keep His grace in a position of sufficiency.  Hannah’s prayer was answered and then came Samuel or his name is El (God).  Samuel was the product of God’s possession (Elkanah) in His rightful place (Shiloh) coupled with His great grace (Hannah).   A divine type of  Immanuel, or God with us.  He is our strength!

 

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