Secret of Prosperity
Gen 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Today, you can discover a secret. Something that is so powerful and true and will bless you. I refer to the secret of prosperity. God does not hate prosperity. Prosperity is not just about having billions. Rather, it is about thriving in the purpose of God – having peace in your body, soul and spirit. Having health and the mental clarity that all is well. Joseph no more lives in a tent and now lives in a house. He is no more a wandering herdsman, but he is now at some peace … this is a more luxurious pit. But his rest and peace do not come from Egypt. They come from the presence of God in his life. They come from another person living within him. God is with him to cause all that he does to prosper.
God with you implies, God directing you, God controlling you, God protecting you, God instructing you, God comforting you and also God providing for you. It means being dependent on God for everything. It does not mean calling on God when you perceive you have a need or invoking his presence through music or song. Rather, it suggests a continued presence that makes your worship different and your every moment special. Remember we speak of God and not a prophet, teacher or pastor. But God can be grieved – made sad by your dearest thoughts that exclude Him or your motivations which are primarily to satisfy self and the flesh.
God was not in Joseph’s life to lead him back to his family, although God knows the way back. Nor was God available to free him from the shackles of slavery in Potiphar’s house. When God is with us, it means we are free from Egypt and only remain because there is a higher purpose in God for it. It implies living and doing everything for a higher purpose, walking on a higher ground and seeing a higher perspective to everything although to everybody else Joseph, like Daniel was just like any other captive in a heathen culture. God with us means that we shine differently because in us, there is a light that shines.
Serving in the house of Potiphar is but another phase – and Joseph must see beyond this phase otherwise he will begin to covet the marble, art and the treasures that could one day be his … begin to notice more the women who now expose their flesh … the strange lustful laughter of Egypt and the alluring glances of Potiphar’s wife. God must help Joseph. God with us is God helping is us to stand in Him daily. The word of God is God. When we study and are filled with it – we have God with us. The word speaks to situations in our lives to always establish God’s higher purpose. When we are far from the word of God and we have not reflected on its admonitions and comfort, then we may not have God, rather we may still prosper – but a different type of prosperity. We then rely on our self to sustain what we have begun. In this devotional we see a different way to prosper driven by an inner richness. God with us. Can you say God is with you? God is far from the proud. Humble yourself.
Song.
I need thy presence every passing hour; what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine , O abide with me.
Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Prayer: O Lord, do not permit me to stray into pride and lose your presence. Abide always with me. 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
