Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Walking Through Dark Valleys
Genesis 37:18-28
At the age of 17, Joseph lost almost everything. His family, his position as the favored son, his home, and his freedom were abruptly taken from him. How stunned he must have been by the hatred of his siblings and such overwhelming loss. But one thing he did take with him was his faith in God.
Life is like that at times for every one of us. Sudden changes in health or finances, the unexpected death of a loved one, or abandonment by a good friend can bring us into a dark season of life. We do not understand why God has allowed the trial or lets the pain continue. Joseph probably wondered the same things, but he managed to hold fast to his faith. He experienced the blessing of God's presence--even as a slave in a foreign land. And recognizing that God was with this young captive, his Egyptian master showed him favor (Gen. 39:2-3).
One of the keys to walking through dark valleys--those times when life is crumbling and the future looks dim--is to embrace the reality of God's presence with us. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live permanently within the new Christian and seals him or her as belonging to God forever. Because of Him, we are never apart from the Lord. No circumstance, suffering, or loss can separate us from Him or His love (Rom. 8:35, 38-39).
Take a few minutes each day and reflect on Jesus' promise to be with us always (Matt. 28:20). The result will be that this truth becomes planted deep within your soul to sustain you in hard times.
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