A number of times in Genesis 39, we’re told that God was with Joseph. But that didn’t exempt him from jealousy and betrayal, or the advances of Potiphar’s wife, or her lies that sent him to prison. The Bible says, ‘They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character’ (Psalm 105:18-19 NLT). Joseph didn’t know it, but he was in training. God wanted to see if he would choose trust over lust, and obedience over self-interest. One of God’s names is ‘Redeemer.’ He can redeem everything we’ve been through – the good and the bad. God’s with us even when it doesn’t seem like it. He is walking alongside us. He is working with us. He’s going ahead of us to rearrange circumstances in our favour. God says: ‘“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So that we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”’ (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV). But sometimes in the plan of God, things get worse before they get better. That’s when we need to tighten your grip and lean harder on God: ‘So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised’(Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV). If we don’t lean harder on God, we can find that our doubts, insecurities, and circumstances become too big and we’ll be tempted to think that God’s abandoned us. But the truth is, He never will. He is with us, always. 

What Now?

Put some calming music on, and spend time reflecting on Psalm 23. Write out verse four and put it somewhere where you’ll see it often.