Daily Reading: Genesis 41
Scripture Focus: After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile. (Genesis 41.1)
Devotional Thought: Forgotten. That's what Lana and I often felt in 2008 and 2009 when we were unemployed and unaware of any opportunities to change that status. That's a tough situation for a minister. It's difficult for anybody! Have you ever felt forgotten?
Joseph did. He had helped the cupbearer to Pharaoh interpret a dream and get out of prison. In response the cupbearer said he would remember him. The trouble is, the cupbearer forgot. But God had not forgotten Joseph. "After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed..." It was not just an ordinary dream. God was the author of the dream. God used the dream to trouble the heart of Pharaoh, causing him eventually to call Joseph for an interpretation.
During those two years, Joseph was forgotten by man but remembered by God. The Lord not only brought Joseph to the attention of Pharaoh, but he also gave Joseph the interpretation of the dream, the wisdom to solve the problem, the courage (audacity!) to speak the truth, and the opportunity for advancement. Once again we hear a familiar refrain - God is working behind, going before, holding beneath, and standing beside Joseph.
Take heart, child of God! God is doing the same thing for you. In the silences of life, God writes the score to a memorable refrain. Be still and know that he is God!
Prayer: Father, thank you for your faithful love. When all seems silent, help me to rest in the knowledge that you are working behind, going before, holding beneath, and standing beside me just as you did Joseph. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them! 11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. 13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. (Psalms 41:10-13)
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