A part of the Christianity and Mental Health series.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “he (The Lord) will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)

At times most of us have experienced loneliness during our lives.  I know there has been a period of my life when I felt profound loneliness.  I will get into why later in this post, but I also wanted to address loneliness due to the COVID pandemic.  There are two groups who I believe had suffered more loneliness this past year.  They are teenagers and the elderly.  The other groups who suffer from loneliness are single adults, single moms, divorced people, and people in loveless relationships.

Teenagers

The reason I included teenagers is because a couple of weeks ago a high schooler was giving a year in review of my church’s youth ministry from his perspective.  He said the youth group was discussing fear and anxiety and some teens have more fear and anxiety during COVID.  He also said suicide rates were up by 200 percent.  This got me thinking about loneliness in teens.

Many are feeling cut off during this last year from their friends.  They are old enough to be left at home by themselves and many are not having in person school.  Many no longer can socialize with their friends in person.  Yes, there is more online opportunities than before but what of those who do not have friends?  When they are in in-person school they are interacting others even though the others may not be considered friends.  When they are left home alone to complete their schoolwork teens can become lonely.  Often the only people they see is family members who may not understand the teenager’s need for social interaction.  These teenagers may shut themselves off from family because of this and feel even more lonely. 

Another friend told me some teenagers are lonely even when they are surrounded by people because they do not seem to fit anywhere.  For instance, my friend went on, someone growing up in a small town could feel bullied and lonely just because they do not “fit other’s expectations of who they think you should be or look like”.  My friend seemed like she had first-hand knowledge as she is raising her children in a small town.   

The young man mentioned above also got me thinking about suicide in teens, so I googled it.  According to an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics study suicide ideation was up 1.6 times higher in March 2020 at a major hospital in Texas emergency department. (Korioth, Trisha, (Staff Writer), Study: Suicidal behavior in youths higher during COVID-19 closures than in 2019.  AAP News, December 16, 2020)   The article noted during the time emergency department visit overall was lower due to the pandemic.  This is just one hospital.  I can imagine from this article suicide ideation could clearly be up by 200 percent.

As the year progressed more in-person opportunities opened for teenagers.  Hopefully, this helped ease some of the loneliness in teens.  My Pastor mentioned school can be a dark place.  We need to pray for teenagers.

Elderly

I asked a couple of questions of two people who work in homes for the elderly.  I wanted first-hand information.  My youngest child worked a facility which had long term housing for elderly.  He said he saw many were “really missing their families”.  Another friend who works in a residential facility noticed heightened emotions as COVID progressed.  She noticed crying and/or acting out depending on the person’s personality or level of dementia.  She also noted many have poor eyesight or hearing problems so when family visited outside their room windows many would have difficulty communicating.  I imagine this would cause a great deal of despair in someone knowing their loved one was so close, and they could neither see and/or hear them.  My friend went on to tell me although they had no deaths from COVID they did see “more than usual in the last few months due to other health issues”.  I wonder if loneliness had a factor in these deaths.  My friend told me while staff had restrictions, the staff did the best they could helping their residents through this most difficult time. 

Another friend of mine is in rehab for a health issue.  Her family recently posted on social media in-person visits are now possible.  That is good news for lonely residents of these facilities. 

Lonely Adults

Single adults, single parents, divorced, and even married people can be lonely.  When this loneliness begins to be pervasive it can lead to unhealthy relationships.  Other than being a single adult I have at times been very lonely during the last twenty or thirty years. 

I did not realize how lonely I was in my marriage until several years after my divorce.  Looking back, I now notice a pattern after we adopted our two children.  I guess my focus switched to our children and less on my husband.  Yet I would spend time on the phone with friends while my kids napped or were safely playing.  I needed adult conversation with someone who cared what I thought.  At the time my husband spent most of his at home time in his “office” rather than with me and the kids.  Therefore, I would find other outlets to have adult conversation such as church or social group functions.  I did not realize it was normal for married couples to spend time together talking about other things besides their kids.  Deep inside I was lonely.

When we moved to Rhinelander, I discovered my husband liked someone else better.  It took a long time to move out and on.  I soon became a single mom and a college student.  After about a year of separation my husband asked me to move back in.  Not to get together again but to save him money as he was completely supporting me and the kids.  I moved into the basement and our kids lived upstairs with their father.  I remember being lonely during that time and prayed God would send someone in my life to do things with like I used to do.  God answered my prayer by sending Ralph into my life for the next two years.  Ralph was amazing.  We spent time together going on walks and doing things with my kids.  He was my best friend but then he got cancer.  After he passed away, I mourned his death for a long time.  It took me awhile until I could bring myself to do social things, but I finally did, and it helped for a while.

Then the loneliness kicked in again.  My kids were getting older and developing friends to spend their time with and I was left out.  I was still going to school and trying to be a good mom, but I really missed having an adult to spend time with during those years.  It was during that time I made a mistake I regret to this day.  I went on Christian Mingle and got involved with a guy from another state.  We were together for about a year.  I was finishing up my master’s degree and working two jobs.  He was not a real bad person, but he was not a good fit for me.  I just was not trusting God to fill the loneliness void I felt in my heart.

Since that time, I have not dated.  I found with time I am not as lonely as I have been in the past.  I do find myself being one of the last people to leave the church because I just want to talk with people and sometimes, I talk too much with customers at work.  Yes, I am still lonely at times and wish for a best friend again.  Yet, God knows my needs and I trust in Him.  Are you lonely?  Does it occupy your mind often?  If you are thinking no one cares you are wrong!  God cares deeply for you and so do I.  Ask God to fill the loneliness void in your heart.

Below is a couple of books from Christianbook.com Home I am an affiliate of Christianbook.com Home which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may make a percentage of the price at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the website running. Thank you for your support.

Loneliness: How to Be Alone but Not Lonely [Hope For The Heart Series] By June Hunt God designed us to be in meaningful and satisfying relationships with friends, with family, and possibly with a husband or wife. But the reality is we can feel so lonely, so separated, so isolated, and thinking no one really understands. This mini-book Loneliness: How to Be Alone but Not Lonely gives Christian advice on how to find comfort in knowing God understands our deepest times of loneliness. He knows the heaviness of your heart. And you will find practical and biblical advice on how to find joy in times of solitude. Rose Publishing ProductCode: 240XJune Hunt Hope For The Heart Series

Finding God in My Loneliness By Lydia Brownback Young or old, single or married, male or female–at some point in life, we’re all confronted with loneliness. We try to fill the void or change our circumstances so we no longer feel the pain. But what if our pangs of loneliness are meant to point us to something greater?Looking at various aspects of loneliness, Lydia Brownback reminds us of God’s power to redeem our loneliness and use it in our lives to draw us to himself. Ultimately, she helps us see that even when we feel misunderstood, forsaken, or abandoned, we’re never really alone. God is always with us, and only he can meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 34

Dinah was a young woman who had everything a girl could want and was protected by her parents and brothers.  However, she wanted to see what the world was like outside of her protected home.  This led her to get in lots of trouble and led to the death of many.  Below is her story written as if she were telling it.  Any scripture in the story is in italics and copied from the New Living Translation.

My Home and Family

My father’s name is Jacob, and my mother is Leah.  My father has two wives and two other women who have given my father children.  My four brothers, by my mother Leah, are Simeon, Judah, Issachar, and Levi.  They are very protective of me and I am not allowed to go out without one of them going with me.  What a pain!  Afterall I am fourteen years old I do not need a babysitter. 

I live in a large tent near the city of Shechem.  I live with my mother and her children.  We have everything we need.  We are shepherds and have a vast number of flocks of sheep and goats.  All the brothers work together to take care of the flocks except Joseph who is still a young boy.  I help with the cooking and baking but the servants do most of the hard work.  Most of my time is my own.  I get bored a lot with not much to do.  I wonder what the girls in Shechem do for fun?

Sneaking Out

One day I could not take the boredom anymore and when everyone was out caring for the flocks. I carefully took a large jar pretending I was going to get water from the well near Shechem, I went out to see what it was like in Shechem.  I left the jar by the well and went into the city.  I was careful to keep to myself and just watch.  Not much was going on except merchants selling their wares.  I was disappointed and thought I would have to come back after dark to see some excitement.  I went back to the well and filled the jar and went home.

A few days later, after the evening meal, I snuck out of the tent and headed for Shechem.  As I neared the center of town, I saw a celebration going on where people were dancing and drinking in the street.  The young women of the town seemed to be dancing for the men.  I never seen this kind of dancing.  It was as if the girls were enticing the men to sleep with them by their dance.  Yet, when one of the men approached a girl she would laugh and say no.  I watched with amazement until I realized it was late.  I did overhear someone say this happened every night.  I wanted to see more, to know more about this town.  It was exciting compared to my life in the tent outside the city.

Every few nights I would sneak out of the tent and go to the city to watch.  I wanted to learn the dances and learn how to flirt without any fear of having to sleep with a man.  God forbid I should do that before marriage.  I just wanted to have fun.

One night I was noticed by one of the girls and she invited me to try the dancing.  It was fun.  We all drank wine and danced until late.  It seemed so harmless.  I said I would be back again as soon as I could when towards the end of the night.  I headed home.  I could not wait to do this again.

A few nights later I went to Shechem again.  I drank and I danced and enjoyed myself.  One man asked me to dance just for him, so I did.  I laughed when he invited me to his house and said no.  He seemed to take my no well and I went on dancing.  I did ask another girl who the man was because he seemed someone of importance.  She said he was Shechem, son of Hamor the ruler of the city.  Wow, I got noticed by the ruler’s son. 

Later, I headed for home like I had done in the past.  I did not know Shechem had followed me.  He snuck up behind me and grabbed me by the arm.  His gripped was strong as he pulled me towards him.  I was a little drunk and could not fight him.  He pushed me to the ground and laid on top of me.  He started kissing me so forcefully I thought I would have bruising on my lips.  This could not be happening I thought.  I tried to cry for help, but we were already away from the city enough for no one to hear and yet not close enough to my father’s tents for them to come to my rescue.  Then he raped me.

Afterwards, he left saying this is what happens when you dance so seductively.  I pulled my ripped clothes together and cried all the way home.  I am ruined!  My life is over.  What will my parents do or my brothers?  I will be confined to my father’s tents the rest of my life with no chance of marriage.

When I got home my mother was waiting for me.  Somehow one of the servants saw me leave and reported it to my mother.  I rushed into her arms crying.  “Oh, mama, I have been such a fool and now I am ruined.”  I could tell my mother wanted to be strict with me, but she hugged me closely and smoothed my hair.  “It will be okay” she said over and over but we both knew it would not be okay.  I cried myself to sleep.

The next morning my mother told my father after my brothers had left to tend the flocks for the day.  My father wanted to know who did this to me.  He also wanted to know how it happened the ruler’s son would know I existed.  I told my father how I was bored at home and wanted to see what it was like in the city.  My father looked so sad when he told me I would never be allowed out of the tents again.  I did not want to leave any more.

The Marriage Proposal 

I stayed in my room wonder what would happen to me.  Just before noon Hamor and Shechem arrived at my father’s tent.  I saw them and wondered what they were doing here.  Why is my father even talking to them after what Shechem did to me?  I went and hid outside of my father’s tent as soon as I saw them and listened.  “My son Shechem is truly in love with your daughter,” he said. “Please let him marry her. In fact, let’s arrange other marriages, too. You give us your daughters for our sons, and we will give you our daughters for your sons. And you may live among us; the land is open to you! Settle here and trade with us. And feel free to buy property in the area.”  Then I heard Shechem speak “Please be kind to me, and let me marry her,” he begged. “I will give you whatever you ask. No matter what dowry or gift you demand, I will gladly pay it—just give me the girl as my wife.” 

Meanwhile my brothers had come home for the noon meal.  When they heard what was going on, they were in shock and angry.  Levi came to me and said we have a plan.  We will tell Hamor and Shechem to be circumcised to let Shechem marry you.  Go ahead and go to Shechem’s house and pretend you want to marry him.  No doubt they will agree and go ahead and get circumcised right away.  While they are healing and still in a great deal of pain Shechem will not try to sleep with you.  Then we will come to your rescue and bring you home.  I cried when I heard this, but Levi has always been true to his word and has never let harm come to me when he could stop it.  I agreed.  So, Levi and his brothers went into our father’s tent and said “We couldn’t possibly allow this, because you’re not circumcised. It would be a disgrace for our sister to marry a man like you! But here is a solution. If every man among you will be circumcised like we are, then we will give you our daughters, and we’ll take your daughters for ourselves. We will live among you and become one people.  They agreed and I went with Hamor and Shechem back to their house in Shechem.

Circumcised

When we got back to Shechem Hamor and Shechem called all the men together and told them “These men are our friends,” they said. “Let’s invite them to live here among us and trade freely. Look, the land is large enough to hold them. We can take their daughters as wives and let them marry ours. But they will consider staying here and becoming one people with us only if all of our men are circumcised, just as they are. But if we do this, all their livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. Come, let’s agree to their terms and let them settle here among us.” 

How wicked of them, I thought, yet I knew my father and brothers would not really let this happen.  I wonder how my rescue will happen.  Now to avoid Shechem until my brothers come for me. 

Sure, enough all the men in Shechem got circumcised.  None of them ventured out of their homes due to the amount of pain they were in.  The women had to do everything for them.  I heard talk from the women I was staying with the men did not do much anyways but talk so this new thing was not much of a burden to the women.  For three days I waited for my rescue.  Surely my brothers would come before Shechem healed a claimed me for his wife.  I hate him so much but not as much as I hate myself for the mess I got myself into.

God dealt with me during those days.  I learned a lot about myself.  I learned God, like my father and brothers, know what is best for me.  I learned the ways of those who do not worship Jehovah only lead to destruction.  I learned God wants something better for me.  I found peace during those days knowing I was a child of God and He loves me.

The Rescue

On the third day my salvation came.  It came in a way I was not expecting, nor did I care for the violence I witnessed that day.  Simeon and Levi entered the city at dawn and went house to house killing all the adult males who were still in beds from their wounds.  None were able to defend themselves.  I was amazed none of the women defended them either.  They were too frightened as was I. 

Levi came and got me after he killed Hamor and Shechem with his sword.  He took me home to our mother’s tent.  I went to my room to pray for the women and children left behind.  I prayed for myself.  I asked God to show me how He wants me to live from this day forward.  God spoke to me to care for the women and children.  I later heard the rest of my brothers had gone to Shechem and plundered the city.  They brought back the women and children to our camp.  They would be our servants they said.  My heart broke for them, but I knew I was the one who would tell them of Jehovah’s love for them.

I heard my father was terribly upset with his sons Levi and Simeon that day.  He said “You have ruined me! You’ve made me stink among all the people of this land—among all the Canaanites and Perizzites. We are so few that they will join forces and crush us. I will be ruined, and my entire household will be wiped out!”  “But why should we let him treat our sister like a prostitute?” they retorted angrily.  I was glad they came to my rescue, but my father was right, we could no longer live here.

The next day my father declared we must get rid of all foreign gods.  All the camp brought their gods to my father and they pulled out their gold earrings, their symbols of their devotion to their gods, and gave them to my father.  My father then told everyone to purify themselves and to change their clothes.  My father took all the foreign gods and their devoted items and buried them under a large oak tree.  Many of the captives converted to the worship of Jehovah that day.

After that day we moved from place to place.  My father became more and more devoted to the Lord and he told me God changed my father’s name from Jacob to Israel.  I devoted my time to learning more and more about God and serving His people.  Gone was the pain and sorrow of my foolishness at Shechem.  I have found contentment.

Lessons Learned from Dinah

As I was writing this story, I was not sure how it would end or why God wanted ne to write it.  Like I wrote in Tamar, daughter of the king, I wanted a knight in shining armor to come marry her in spite of her being ruined by rape, but again, that was not the case.  Dinah ended up devoting her time in service.  Unlike Tamar, Dinah’s rape was the result of her wanting to live like the world.  She went away from the protection of her father and went looking for excitement.  How many of us have done just that?  How many of us have learned the lure of the worldly things only result in our ruin.  Yet, God will always welcome us back.

I wondered why God wanted me to write this story.  I was never raped yet many times in my past I have gone my own way and have suffered for it.  We all have our regrets.  But God FORGIVES!  That is right, God will forgive you if you sincerely ask Him.  He will also help you serve Him and find peace from your past.  Trust Him and seek Him daily so you do not fall into your past mistakes.  You will still have trials and will face the consequences of your past but God will give you what you need to live for Him.  Just ask!  Have you learned from your past and surrendered it to God?

Recommend books:

Below is some books I recommend from Christianbook.com Home If you click on a link and make a purchase I may earn a small percentage of the price at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running this website. Thank you for your support.

Becoming His: Finding Your Place as a Daughter of God – eBook
By Jenny Erlingsson

You Are a Daughter of the King: Embrace Who God Created You to Be – eBook
By Gail M. Hayes

Genesis 50:19b “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” (NIV)

I am reading through Praying the Promises written by Max Lucado and Andrea Lucado.  Each day the book talks about a character of the Bible.  Page 32 talks about Joseph.  My Pastor Joe suggested I write my next story about Joseph from Genesis.  Joseph life is something we can all relate to in some ways.  He was thrown in a hole by his brothers, thrown in prison later on, yet God used all Joseph’s hard times to work out for good for His’ people.  Scripture is in italics and usually in the New Living Translation.

The Dreamer

I think my dad likes me better than all my other brothers.  After all I am Rachel’s son, the one my dad worked fourteen years to marry.  When I was sixteen my father gave me a beautiful coat.  It was made with the finest materials and had many colors.  I was so proud of that coat.  I would strut around in it taunting my brothers with it!  They mostly ignored me, but I could tell they resented me for being our father’s favorite.

When I was seventeen years old, I had a dream.  I told my brothers my dream since it was about them.  “Listen to this dream,” I said, “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”   My brothers got mad and said “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” 

Then I had another dream.  I told my brothers this one as well.  “Listen, I have had another dream,” I went on “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”  This time I also told my father about my dream.  He looked at me and said, “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?”  I think my father wondered about the meaning of this dream from the way he looked at me.  My father is wise and once he told me about his dream at Bethel, so I think he understands.

The Brother’s Revenge

My father often sent me to check on my brothers when they were grazing the flocks away from home.  One day my father sent me in search of my brothers.  They were supposed to be near Shechem but when I got there my brothers were not there.  A man asked me “What are you looking for?” “I’m looking for my brothers,” I replied. “Do you know where they are pasturing their sheep?” “Yes,” the man told me.  “They have moved on from here, but I heard them say, ‘Let’s go on to Dothan.’”  So off I went to Dothan. 

By the time I got there I was so tired and thirsty.  My water had run out after I had reached Shechem.  I saw my brothers from a distance.  They must have saw me because they were laughing and pointing in my direction, but I was too far away to hear what they were saying.  When I got close several of my brothers grabbed me and threw me into a dry well.  It was deep and I am lucky I did not break my legs.  I was so frightened and confused.  Why would they do this to me?  I know I boasted about my coat and my dreams, but we are family!  It is so terrifying to be in this well with no way out.  I know my brothers are nearby because I can hear them talking.  I started yelling for them to get me out, but they did not answer me.  I was starting to get cold and my brothers had taken my coat before they threw me in this well.  Why will they not help me?  Finally, a rope was tossed down and when I reached near the top my brothers grabbed me.  I thought they had come to their senses but, no, they were selling me to some Ishmaelite traders.  I saw one of the traders count out twenty pieces of silver.  I was put in chains and told to follow the man on a camel who had a long chain connected to my chained hands.  Thankfully, they did not go fast and stopped soon after for the night.  I was given some bread and a little water.  One of the men threw a blanket my way to keep me from freezing to death during the desert night.  I asked someone where they were headed and was told Egypt.  My heart sank.  I did not know if I would ever see my father again.

During the trip down to Egypt I thought about my life so far.  I have been a boastful man with a lot of pride.  I started thinking if I had not been so boastful, I would not be in these chains.  Maybe God is teaching me to be humble.  He wants me to think on my godly upbringing and to follow God more closely.  I think God wants me to be more like my father who worked hard for his father-in-law for many years.  So far in my young life I have had it easy until now.  Time to grow up and change.

Potiphar

The Ishmaelites sold me to a man named Potiphar.  He is one of Pharaoh’s officials.  He is the captain of the guard.  Potiphar and his wife live in a nice house with lots of servants.  Remembering all I had thought about during the long journey to Egypt I went to work at whatever task Potiphar told me to do.  God seemed to bless my work and I started to get promoted to better jobs.  Finally, one day Potiphar came to me and said he saw how God was with me and he promoted me to his personal attendant and gave me charge over his entire household.

Potiphar’s Wife

Potiphar’s wife was a spoiled brat.  She would purposely make extra work for her servants.  She also was not faithful to Potiphar when he was gone on long trips.  She would sleep with all the male servants she wanted to except me.  I would not do that to my master or my God.  That did not stop her from wanting me though.  She begged me to sleep with her every chance she got.  I always said the same thing “Look,” I told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” 

One day she caught me off guard when no one else seemed to be in the house.  She grabbed my coat and said for me to sleep with her.  She said she could command me because I was a servant.  I was frightened but did not give in.  Instead, I left my coat in her hand and ran out of the house.  I went back to my sleeping quarters to wait for my master to get back later that day.  I was going to ask to be sold to someone else because I could no longer work there.  Little did I know Potiphar’s wife was scheming to put me in prison.

Prison

A few hours later a few of Potiphar’s men came and took me to prison.  I asked why and was told Potiphar’s wife told her husband I tried to rape her.  My heart sunk!  First my brothers sold me then I end up in prison.  This is an awful place.  I am used to bathing regularly and eating good food.  Here everyone smells bad, including the guards, and we get one meal a day.  It tastes like paste too and sometimes smells sour.  Ugh!  The guards seemed to delight in beating us regularly.  I have welts on my back I cannot properly care for here in prison.  Why, God, have You allowed all these things to happen to me?

The Lord answered my prayer though but not in the way I wanted Him to answer.  The warden noticed me and showed me kindness.  You see, I was not like the other prisoners.  I kept to myself and obeyed all the prison rules.  I also requested water so I could bathe, something no one else seem to bother with, ever.  Even though I was still in prison I felt God’s presence with me there.  The warden gave me much better food and put me in charge of all the prisoners.  I created rules for the guards and prisoners alike.  I made sure we got better food and the guards were not allowed to beat us.  Many of the prisoners were following my lead and requesting water to bathe in.  It was getting better, but I still was in prison.  How long Lord?

The Cupbearer and Baker

A few months later there were two newcomers to the prison.  One was Pharaoh’s cupbearer and the other was Pharaoh’s baker.  Both had offended Pharaoh.  The warden put these two men under my charge, and I attended to them to make them as comfortable as possible.

One day I went into the cupbearer and baker’s cell and both looked very worried.  I asked them “Why do you look so worried today?”.  They answered, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.”  “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” I replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” 

The cupbearer went first “In my dream,” he said, “I saw a grapevine in front of me. 10The vine had three branches that began to bud and blossom, and soon it produced clusters of ripe grapes. I was holding Pharaoh’s wine cup in my hand, so I took a cluster of grapes and squeezed the juice into the cup. Then I placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.”  “This is what the dream means,” I said. “The three branches represent three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift you up and restore you to your position as his chief cup-bearer. And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place. For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I’m here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it.”

The baker eagerly told me his dream after he heard my interpretation of the cupbearer’s dream. “I had a dream, too. In my dream there were three baskets of white pastries stacked on my head. The top basket contained all kinds of pastries for Pharaoh, but the birds came and ate them from the basket on my head.”  “This is what the dream means,” I was so sad when I heard the baker’s dream and told him “The three baskets also represent three days. Three days from now Pharaoh will lift you up and impale your body on a pole. Then birds will come and peck away at your flesh.”

Three days later it was Pharaoh’s birthday.  He sent for the cupbearer and the baker.  He restored the cupbearer to his former position, but he impaled the baker.  However, no one came to release me from prison so the cupbearer must have forgotten me.  Lord, God, how much longer must I endure this horrible place?  Nevertheless, I submit to Your will.

Two years came and went, and I was still in prison.  One day I was feeling low, like I would never get out of this place.  Suddenly there was the cupbearer, and he came right up to me and spoke.  “Please forgive me.  I just remembered how you interpreted my dream when Pharaoh was telling his staff about his troubling dreams.  Pharaoh wants you to come out now and hear his dreams.  I could not believe it!  I was finally getting out of here, even if it was only for a short time. 

The cupbearer took me to his home so I could bathe, shave and put-on clean clothes.  I threw my rags away.  Oh, it felt so good to be clean and properly clothed again. 

Pharaoh’s Dreams

As I entered the throne room, I was amazed at how beautiful it was.  Everyone seemed to be focused on Pharaoh.  I was led up to the front to stand before Pharaoh.  He spoke directly to me.  “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.” “It is beyond my power to do this,” I told him. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”  Then Pharaoh told me his dreams.  “In my dream,” he said, “I was standing on the bank of the Nile River, 18and I saw seven fat, healthy cows come up out of the river and begin grazing in the marsh grass. But then I saw seven sick-looking cows, scrawny and thin, come up after them. I’ve never seen such sorry-looking animals in all the land of Egypt. These thin, scrawny cows ate the seven fat cows. But afterward you wouldn’t have known it, for they were still as thin and scrawny as before! Then I woke up.  “In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, full and beautiful, growing on a single stalk.  Then seven more heads of grain appeared, but these were blighted, shriveled, and withered by the east wind. And the shriveled heads swallowed the seven healthy heads. I told these dreams to the magicians, but no one could tell me what they mean.”

 As I listened to the dreams I felt as though God was speaking to me their meaning.  I replied to Pharaoh “Both of Pharaoh’s dreams mean the same thing. God is telling Pharaoh in advance what he is about to do. The seven healthy cows and the seven healthy heads of grain both represent seven years of prosperity. The seven thin, scrawny cows that came up later and the seven thin heads of grain, withered by the east wind, represent seven years of famine.  I went on to explain the seven good years will happen right away followed by seven years of famine.  I boldly told Pharaoh to appoint a wise man over all Egypt to collect one fifth of the grain to store for the seven years when there was no food.  What happened next nearly blew me over. 

So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to me, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.” 

Pharaoh declared me in charge of all of Egypt.  He gave me his ring, a necklace of gold and gave me the chariot designated for the second in command of all of Egypt.  He also gave me a new name, Zaphenath-paneah.  Finally, Pharaoh gave me Asenath to be my wife.  She was beautiful and I loved her instantly.

The seven years good crops went fast.  Asenath and I had two sons.  We enjoyed life but we knew what was coming.  I taught her all about my culture and my God.  She believed and made sure our sons practiced Hebrew customs.  Then came the famine. 

The Famine Years

The famine was not just in Egypt but all the countries around Egypt were hit as well.  Even my homeland from what I heard.  One day I was overseeing the selling of grain and looked up to see ten of my brothers come up to me and bow down.  I then remembered my dream years ago.  It appeared my brothers did not recognize me, so I decided to pretend I did not know them.  Where are you from, I asked them through an interpreter pretending I did not know the language they spoke either.  They said Canaan and we have come to buy food.  I gave them an angry look and spoke. “You are spies! You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become.” “No, my lord!” they exclaimed. “Your servants have simply come to buy food. We are all brothers—members of the same family. We are honest men, sir! We are not spies!”

“Sir,” they said, “there are actually twelve of us. We, your servants, are all brothers, sons of a man living in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is back there with our father right now, and one of our brothers is no longer with us.”  I told them I did not believe them and told them they needed to prove their story was true by bringing their youngest brother to him.  I said I would let one go get their youngest brother while the others stayed here.  I put them in prison for three days.  When I brought them out of prison, I told them “I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live. If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families. But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.” To this they agreed.

I stood there and listened to them talk among themselves.  They did not know I understood them.  “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.” “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy?” Reuben asked. “But you wouldn’t listen. And now we have to answer for his blood!”  I had to turn away from them because tears started to come to my eyes.  It broke my heart to hear them relating their situation now as punishment for their actions against me.  I wanted so bad to tell them it is me, Joseph, but I wanted to see Benjamin.  I regained myself and turned towards them again and told them I choose Simeon to stay behind while the others go get their brother.  Reuben had saved my life in the past, so I chose Simeon who is next in line. 

I told the ones who filled my brother’s grain bags to put the silver they brought to buy the grain back into their grain bags.  I wanted to have the grain without paying.  I am sure my brothers would be fearful when they saw the money.

A year went by and the brothers had not returned.  I checked on Simeon from time to time and made sure he was given a little extra food without Simeon knowing it was from me.  I kept watching the crowds of traders who would come to buy grain but still my brothers did not come.

The Reveal

One day as I was watching the traders, I saw them.  I told my steward to bring my brothers to my house and prepare a feast for the noon meal.  My steward did as I told him to do and I arrived at noon to eat with my brothers.  I sat at one table and my brothers another.  It is against our customs to eat Hebrews.  I told my servants to give Benjamin five times as much food and drink as the rest. 

After the lengthy meal I told my steward to have my brother’s grain bags filled again and to send them on the way.  However, I told my steward to put my gold cup in Benjamin’s grain bag.  I was told my brothers left the city.  I told my steward to go after them and bring my brothers back claiming they are in great trouble for stealing my gold cup. 

As they came back into my house, they threw themselves at my feet.  “What have you done?” I demanded. “Don’t you know that a man like me can predict the future?”  Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.”  No, told them only the one who took my cup will be my slave.  The rest of you are free to go home.

Then Judah speaks up.  I could tell he was heartbroken more than the rest.  Judah said his father would die brokenhearted if Benjamin did not return.  Judah continued to plead My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.’ “So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!”

I could not take it anymore!  I told all my servants to leave so I could be alone with my brothers.  I started weeping and cried out “I am Joseph!”  and then I asked if my father was still alive?  My brothers just stood there with their mouths wide open.  Perhaps they were seeing me for the first time.  Perhaps they were remembering the teenage dreams I told them about long ago.  I told them to come closer to really see me.  I told them I was Joseph whom they had sold into slavery. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.  You see, I went on there is five more years of this famine to come.  Go back and get your father and bring him down here to live.  If you do not you will surely starve.  You can live in Goshen.  It is a beautiful part of Egypt and I will make sure you are provided for throughout the next five years. 

I then wrapped my arms around Benjamin and wept.  Hurry I said to all of them.  I told them to take large carts for their wives and children to come back safely.  I sent them on their way with fresh clothes and plenty of food for the journey to and from Canaan.  Then I waited.

Reunited

When I heard my father and brothers were back in Egypt and settling in Goshen, I took my chariot out to meet them.  As soon as I saw my father, I wrapped my arms around him and we both wept.  I made sure they had everything they needed.  It was wonderful having my family so close. 

The next five years were rough.  I had to make laws in order for there to be enough for all to survive on.  My family did well in Goshen and God blessed them, so they grew in numbers.

Seventeen years later I learned my father was dying.  I took my two sons to be blessed by my father before he died as a custom of both Egypt and Hebrews.  My father blessed my children and asked me to swear when he died to bury his body next to his wife back in the land of Canaan where there was a family plot.  I gave my father my word.  My father passed away while I was with him.  My brothers and I mourned greatly for our father.  We took our father’s body and buried it then returned to Egypt.

When we got back my brothers must have been afraid of what I might do to them now that our father was gone so they sent me a message.  The message said their father had told them ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.”

I went out to Goshen to talk to them.  “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.”  After that, my brothers seemed to finally feel I forgave them.  While I continued to live separately from them, I would go often and visit my brothers and their families.  I asked them when they do return to Canaan to take my body and bury it nest to my father and they agreed. 

Discussion

Joseph went from a boastful teenager to being a man God used to save His people.  How many of us have suffered trails have come through the trials to find God intended them for good?  I look back at the trials of my life and now see the good things which have come from them.  How has God used your trials?

Below is some suggestions for additional reading. These are affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small percentage of your purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of the running of this website. Thank you for your support.

Praying the Promises: Anchor Your Life to Unshakable Hope By Max Lucado & Andrea Lucado God’s promises are as precious as gold and as sterling as silver. Ponder, believe, and claim them for your own as you explore this treasure-trove of pledges from Scripture! In Praying the Promises, Max Lucado invites you into a deeper understanding of the peace and security God offers his people.Through thirty Bible promises, reflections on the lives of biblical people of faith, and guided prayers, you will see a clearer picture of the promises of God and how he is the rock you can build your life upon. Hardcover.

Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors (Following God Character Series)
By Mary Murphy

Joseph Beyond the Coat of Many Colors is an interactive Bible study in the familiar Following God format that offers hope, encouragement, and practical answersto life s problems. As one of Jacob s twelve sons, Joseph is a blueprint for understanding blended families with broken and betrayed relationships. The study also serves as a leadership manual for churches and businesses; a handbook for employees and employers; a guidebook for resisting negative peer pressure and instituting moral purity, grace and forgiveness. Literally, it has something for everyone.

Joseph and the Gospel of the Many Colors: Reading an Old Story in a New Way
By Voddie Baucham, Jr.

* Joseph and his coat of many colors is a favorite story among adults and children, but have we missed its point? Revealing that Joseph represents a key moment in the biblical narrative, Baucham examines his life in light of the gospel and reveals the pitfalls of moralistic, allegorical, and legalistic interpretations of the Old Testament. 224 pages, softcover from Crossway.

(When I wrote this post this morning I felt God leading me to write it. However, when I was just about to publish it I realized I already published another one on this title. Maybe God wants us to take another look at fear today through His Word.)

There is so much fear going on in the world today.  Some fear is good as it prompts us to take action.  Other fears, if allowed to fester, will grow, and cause great despair. I was writing to God this morning about an issue which was causing me to be fearful.   Suddenly God put a thought into my head “Do not be afraid, I am in control”.  It got me thinking about all the fearful posts I see on social media.  Fear of COVID, the economy, rights being taken away, and fear of the future.

But what does God say about fear.  I did a word search in my Bible app and found fear is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible.  Here are some of them. 

Philippians 4:6 and 7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

The key phrases are do not worry, pray about it, thank God and you will experience peace.  It is that simple.  God knows what you need but He wants you to talk to Him about it so you can realize how much He has done for you.  He will then give you peace.

1 John 4:18 (NLT) Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

Perfect love expels all fear. 

Psalms 56:3 (NLT) But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

I remember a simple video someone made at the Dells Christian Campground when I was a child.  It was about a child who got lost at the campground and then remembered this verse.  The video and the verse have stuck with me all these years.  It is something we can claim whenever we are afraid.  (see https://northwoodsgirlblogging.com/dells-christian-campgrounds-my-memories/)

Psalms 34:4 (NLT) I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

Praying about our fears is so freeing!

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

God is with us.  He strengthens us and He helps us with our fears.  He is already victorious over our fears.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT) This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Do not fear or become discouraged because God is with us wherever we go.

Psalms 23:4 (NLT) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Sometimes we feel like we are in the darkest of valleys.  We do not have to fear those times.  God is there to protect and to gives us comfort. (see https://northwoodsgirlblogging.com/stress-about-corona-psalms-23/)

Matthew 6:34 (NLT) “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Jesus’ simple words do not fear about tomorrow.  In another teaching Jesus talks about how He cares for the sparrow so do not fear Jesus will take care of our needs.  (see https://northwoodsgirlblogging.com/gods-eye-on-the-sparrow/)

Psalms 118:6 (NLT) The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?

The Lord is for us.  We have nothing to fear about what people do or say to us. 

Psalms 46:2 (NLT) So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Nor will we fear snowstorms, cold temperatures, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.  God is with us!

Psalms 49:5 (NLT) Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me?

Why indeed?

Psalms 112:7 (NLT) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them

The bad news could be a positive test for COVID, or it could be cancer.  The Lord will care for us and our loved ones.  I know, I was sick with COVID for three weeks and could not work.  However, God took care of all my needs during that time.

Proverbs 3:24 (NLT) You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.

Ah, such peace to know God’s got what is giving us fear.  Sleep well, know we have nothing to fear in Jesus.

And Finally,

Romans 8:38 (NLT) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Nothing can separate from God’s love!  Nothing!  So, stop fearing!

There are so many other verses mentioning fear in the Bible.  I could write a book (I am sure others have) about not being fearful.  I will not, though, because God has given me only these verses and I like to keep things short for my readers.  What are your fears, and have you given them to God yet?

Below are some books about fear from Christianbook.com Home By clicking on any of these links and making a purchase I may earn a small percentage of your purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps keep this website running.

Hope: Living Fearlessly in a Scary World By David Jeremiah Step into the truth and start leading the fearless life God created you to enjoy! In today’s unpredictable and contentious world, many people are crippled by anxiety about danger, disease, death, and more. Jeremiah explores the top 10 fears holding us captive—and shares the secret to facing them down with hope. 208 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear By Max Lucado Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.They’re talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.Can you imagine your life without fear?

Is It Just Me?: Learning to Trust God in the Middle of Hurts, Doubts, and Fears By Grace Valentine

Today’s verses Our Daily Bread had us read before the devotional struck accord with me when I substituted my name for Israel’s name.

Isaiah 43:14-19

14This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“For your sakes I will send an army against Babylon,

forcing the Babylonians to flee in those ships they are so proud of.

A little background researching for this passage shows at the time of Isaiah’s writing Babylon represent a world power against Israel.  Israel had yet to be exiled to Babylon.   In this passage Babylon represents my enemies which can seem like world powers.  Enemies are those things which prevent me from living as Christ-like as I want to be.  Enemies such as distractions from my work, even if they are good ones.  Or worries about finances.  Or thinking about what is going on in the political world and how I feel about it.  Enemies can also be depressing thoughts which can sometimes get in the way.  These, any many others, can keep me from my Christ-like potential.  However, God will give me the victory! 

15I am the Lord, your Holy One,

Israel’s Creator and King.

16I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters,

making a dry path through the sea.

17I called forth the mighty army of Egypt

with all its chariots and horses.

I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned,

their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.

This passage refers to the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites.  God made a dry path through the sea large enough to allow thousands of Israelites to cross.  Then when Pharaoh and his army tried to cross over God caused the sea to come back together and swallow them up, but the Israelites crossed over safely.  I was thinking what in my life has shown this kind of miracle?   So many times, God has been there when there seemed like no hope.  My recent move and bout with COVID are good examples.  Yet in the past I see God moving me through the waters of divorce and the death of some of my loved ones.  All these times God saved me and caused me to grow closer to Him.  He is my Holy One.  My Creator and King!

18“But forget all that—

it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

19For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

Something new?  In the past few months, I have moved to a new city, got a new apartment, and got a new job.  For months I have wondered why Lord have You moved me here?  Why have You made all these changes in my life so suddenly?  Maybe because I needed something new.  For nineteen years I lived in the same small town.  It was a hard nineteen years. 

I went through a divorce.  I became a single mom while raising school-age children.  I went through nine years of education and have little to show for it.  I lost my best friend, my mom and my mother-in-law and father-in-law.  I even lost my home once and almost became homeless.  I have suffered depression and developed a mild form of PTSD from some of my experiences during these nineteen years.  There are many regrets I have from these nineteen years.  God was with me and I was growing closer to Him, but my past seemed to be weighing me down.  God says ”forget all that”.  It is time for God to do something new.

I also have a new church.  When I first moved here, I felt strongly I needed to join this church.  I amazed how this church seems different somehow.  There is nothing wrong with my old church and I love them dearly.  They are serving the Lord in their community and doing it well.  Yet somehow, I am drawn to this new church in a way I have not felt with my old church.  I m already in the process of joining this new church and am on one of the teams which serve coffee and snacks each Sunday.  Maybe it is because I was in my old church for nineteen years and I needed something new.

I am still learning why God has made all these changes in my life.  I know God wants me to serve Him here.  I just need to be open to His leading me in the new thing He is about to do.

What new things is God doing in your life?

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