There is hope for the helpless

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 39, 40; Psalm 22

Genesis 39:20-21 (NIV)

20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Psalm 22:19 (NIV)

19 But you, O Lord, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Isaiah 42:6-7 (NIV)

6 I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Good morning!

It is hard to imagine the terror a child experiences when they are taken by force and held in captivity. With the help of our national news media, America has recently witnessed the miraculous rescue of two young men who disappeared without a trace and were recently found alive. As their stories unfold, we thank God for their safe return home and for the many volunteers and law enforcement personnel who never gave up looking for them. We pray for the children who have not yet been found. Our broken and fearful hearts grieve with the families of the young victims. We find ourselves hugging our babies a little longer, praying that God will keep them safe when they are not within our reach.

Young Joseph was sold into slavery by his own flesh and blood. Can you imagine trying to forgive your own brothers, who threw you into a pit and then sold you to the Ishmaelites for a few lousy coins? In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, and he became his personal servant. Because Joseph placed his faith in God and trusted Him with his life, the Lord watched over the boy and gave him an extra measure of success and favor. Joseph prospered in every thing he did. The Father’s blessing was obvious to Potiphar, and he trusted him with the care of his entire household. Joseph found happiness in servanthood, and honored God with his life.

A deceitful lie and hurtful accusation by the master’s wife forced Potiphar to throw Joseph into prison. He did not belong there; Joseph had done nothing wrong. Again, Joseph called upon the Lord, and God remained ever present, blessing his life, through those long, dark days in captivity. The scripture states that Joseph remained in prison for two years. During that time, the prison warden saw the goodness of God at work in young Joseph, and he allowed him to watch over the captives. Even in the midst of a bleak situation, Joseph’s faith remained strong. His trust in the Father gave him reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

There are times when we may find ourselves in a dark and cold place. We may serve some time in a prison of our own making, waiting and hoping to be rescued. Many times, it is our own poor choices that land us in the place of captivity. Addictions, compulsive behavior, and sheer stupidity can play a role in many of the dilemmas we find ourselves in. Other times, the bad situations may be no fault of our own. Whenever we call upon His name, God will be there, walking with us every step of the way. It is easy to trust the Lord when things are good. Do you have the faith to trust Him when you find yourself stuck in a dark and lonely place? Are you willing to place your faith in Him no matter what your circumstance?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a faith like Joseph, who trusted God through years of betrayal, abandonment, lies and captivity. He loved the One who never let him go. The Lord will hold onto you too, if you cry out to Him for help.

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

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