God with us – the source of our comfort

Is there any story more riveting than that of the life of Joseph?  In his story, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and the significance of the presence of God in the life of His child. 

His story begins in Genesis 37 and continues through Genesis 50. Within these chapters and as we see his life unfold, what started out as bright and promising turned to (at least what appeared to be) tragedy. Because of the jealousy of his brothers, they planned to kill him. Instead, they ended up selling him to some traders. The traders, in turn, took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. 

Can we even imagine for a second what Joseph was going through?  Away from his family, away from his homeland.  I imagine he felt betrayed, forsaken, and confused. 

Yet, despite his circumstances, the first thing we read after he was sold to Potiphar is, “The Lord was with Joseph.”  (Gen. 39:2)

Just as David declared Him to be in Psalm 139 – inescapable and always present- God was with Jospeh. Even in the pit. Even in the soon-to-be prison.

You see, Joseph’s story doesn’t end there. His master’s wife continued to make advances toward him, which he continually resisted, and one day she accused him of wrongdoing. This resulted in his master burning with anger and subsequently putting Joseph into prison. But guess what we read?  “But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him.”  (Gen. 39:21)

How grateful I am for the Word of God!  Presumably the lowest points of Joseph’s life – forsaken and sold – and blamed and imprisoned – we read that the Lord was with him. 

So it is with us. 

Our greatest tendency at our lowest points is often to ask, “Where is God?”  

We can answer that with certainty knowing, as He was with Jospeh, He is with me. Even here. Even now. Even when circumstances are bad and there is no indication or sense that He is here. Even in our sorrows or disappointments. He is present. 

May we find great comfort today in knowing that we are never alone, He never leaves us. He is always with us – in every moment (past, present, and future), through every situation, in every joy and every sorrow. 

“Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I ride on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hands will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”  (Psalm 139:7-10)