But the Lord was with Joseph.

So Today's reading continues the story of Joseph and not all is well. Joseph was a trusted leader in Potiphar's house until his wife was deceitful and blamed adulterous acts on Joseph and he was sent to prison. Even in prison, though it says "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison...because the lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed." Genesis 39:21&23. I wonder what kept Joseph from thinking that God had forsaken him. He had not after all had the easiest life. It started out well, finding great favor from his father, but of course the downward spiral began when his bothers turned against him in jealousy and sold him into slavery. Then just when things were looking up, he gets caught up in all this mess and winds up in prison. He even tells Pharaoh's cupbearer to remember him when he interprets his dream, but he does not remember him when he is restored to his position. I just have to imagine that at some point, if I were in Joseph's position I would become frustrated or disheartened. But Joseph doesn't seem to feel this way. He seems to take everything in stride and believe that God really is in control. One of my favorite parts of this passage is when it says that God showed Joseph his steadfast love. I think sometimes I fail to remember that God and His love are steadfast. That even in the midst of chaos, craziness or disappointment, that the one and only thing that is always consistent is God and His love for us. Nothing shocks him, nothing surprises him and ultimately, He is always in control, even when are lives feel full of chaos. Our relationship with Christ is our foundation; it is our center. So that in the midst of it all, we remember that his steadfast love is our anchor. I am so thankful that in the midst of a world of inconsistencies that God and his love are our constant...always.

Today's Reading: Genesis 38-40

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Genesis 50:20