Dear Friend,
How often do you get into trouble? We regularly sense the pressure rising around us and this kind of affliction can feel suffocating. The sons of Korah give us hope in Psalm 46:1
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
How very comforting to all who find themselves in trouble! God is ever-present. He never abandons us. He abides in us as we abide in Him. We are never all alone and can be confident in our protection from God. The word “trouble” used in Psalm 46:1 is also used in the account of Joseph in Genesis. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. BUT GOD orchestrated his release and Joseph became a ruler in Egypt. Later, God used him to rescue his family. You may wonder: how did Joseph endure all this trouble?
In Genesis 50, He comforts his brothers with these words:
Genesis 50:15-21 NIV
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph found his strength in the Lord who providentially cared for him. What protection from God can you celebrate today? Give thanks to the Lord as you remember how he rescued you!
Be encouraged,
Pastor Rick