Alone with God

Gen 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Gen 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Communication is very important and the ability to interact peaceably with others is a great blessing. Joseph and his brothers could not communicate … this was perhaps because he thought and spoke like his father. It was clear that Joseph thought differently from his brothers. He shared little in common with his brothers. There was always a tension when Joseph was around but this was preordained to be so. Joseph had to be different because of his different destiny.

There was no one to speak peace to Joseph but his father. Joseph did not hate his brothers. But what Joseph missed in camaraderie with his brothers was made up by long and late evening conversations with a father that loved him dearly. There is someone reading this devotional … you have spent so much time with God and become so much like God … and that has cost you the friendship and understanding of men. You have learnt to live alone. God comforted Joseph. You have no one to talk to … but you have God … He will listen. He is waiting. He will also cause even your enemies to be at peace with you. Joseph did not have this grace. But it was part of his training and preparation. It was needful that Joseph would be hated and thrown into a pit that would move him to where he would rule and save his brothers from a famine. Meanwhile, there were to be no peaceable words for Joseph. Joseph was prepared to be forgotten in an Egyptian prison. He was accustomed to rejection and being ignored and learnt to receive harsh words without speaking back. Be still. Let God finish shaping you to be his masterpiece.  Joseph eventually lived a life that was of great benefit to his brothers, nation and the entire world, but this was only possible because he had first been alone with God. Be ever thankful always, in all situations in Him.

Jesus was also alone in his toughest moments … and was later glorified above all of creation. Jesus was scorned, derided and denied of peaceable words for us … for our salvation. Go and talk to Jesus – He does not scorn or make fun of you, instead He waits for you. Like Joseph, eventually your life will be a savour for others and salt to nations, but first you must endure being alone with your Creator.  Staying apart with God strengthens and prepares you to truly live  for others.  Today is a good day to thank God for His ways.

Song.

My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me;

Love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take, frail flesh and die?

He came from His blest throne salvation to bestow;

But men made strange, and none the longed for Christ would know:

But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need His life did spend.

Sometimes they strew His way, and His sweet praises sing;

Resounding all the day hosannas to their King:

Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, and for His death they thirst and cry.

Why, what hath my Lord done? what makes this rage and spite?

He made the lame to run, He gave the blind their sight,

Sweet injuries! Yet they at these – themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.

Words: Samuel Crossman, 1624-1683

Prayer: Lord release the grace to obey and love you in unfriendly situations. Grant this grace to your missionaries in strange lands. More grace to laborers who must serve amongst hostile brethren. Amen

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa