In the Hour of Darkness

 “And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison.”

 (Genesis 39:20 ESV)

There are times in life when it seems that everything is falling apart around us. Although we pray, we feel that our words have gone unheard. In fact, we feel that we’ve been abandoned by God. 

It seems as though, rather than living in his blessing, we’re living under his curse. Instead of living in the love of God, we feel that we’re regarded as an enemy. We simply feel that he’s doing nothing to help us.

This is what came to mind as I read the account of Joseph. You may recall that, although he was loved by his father, his brothers had sold him as a slave into Egypt. And while there, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and ended up in prison. 

If anyone had reason to feel abandoned by God, it was Joseph. Regardless of his faith, nothing seemed to work in his favor. And no matter how intentionally he lived out his faith, his circumstances only became worse.

However, as we look at his story, we find that God was with him. No matter how it seemed, and no matter how he felt, God was with him. We know this because of the truth that is repeated in his story.

After he was sold into slavery we’re told that the Lord was with Joseph and that he became a successful man. We’re told that Joseph found favor in his master’s sight, and that he was made overseer in his house and over all he had.

Although he was imprisoned, we’re told that the Lord was with him. He showed to Joseph his steadfast love. And, again, Joseph found favor with the keeper of the prison.

The Lord eventually provided for Joseph’s freedom. And he ultimately placed Joseph into a position of great authority. However, the years spent by Joseph as a slave and in prison were many.

This, you see, is important for us to remember in times of hardship and struggle. Even though life isn’t easy, this does not indicate that God has abandoned us. And even though things seem bleak, this in no way indicates that the Lord isn’t working for our blessing.

The Lord is with us in the dark times. He’s blessing us in seasons of difficulty. No matter how things may outwardly seem, God is faithful and shows to us his steadfast love.