Days of Trouble
Gen 41:54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
There are appointed days of trouble. May those days be few. The Bible speaks of the afflictions of the righteous, and that God delivers from them all. The righteous are like those in this world but in Christ. They do not lack any good thing. Just as in all the land there was dearth, those in Egypt – where Joseph was – could get bread not from the fields but from the barns and warehouses. Note that the famine came to all, just as afflictions come to all, but the difference arises from the presence and preparations made by Joseph and those who benefit.
The lesson here is to hold on to Christ and be surrendered to His rule. When the appointed days of trouble come, there will be a deliverance and sustenance from the hunger that kills. Again, we observe another lesson. God may not exempt saints from certain serious trials but the work of the Holy Spirit is a divine comfort that preserves us miraculously. We come through the same situations that completely destroys others.
In the seven year period of the tribulation described in the word of God, we know the saints will not be on earth, because the restrainer of evil – the Holy Spirit – will also be removed. In the Heavens, the saints are with their “Joseph”. If you have Jesus as your Lord, then you can be assured that in whatever trouble you will have Christ for your comfort and His comfort will be enough.
This verse tells us that the dearth started gradually until it became fully evident. Today, you may have already started observing a dearth in the word of God. Gradually, the true word is gradually becoming scarce as the knowledge and vices of men are increasing in all dimensions. The message is now mixed with philosophies and motivational teachings … and I do pray that you will hold on to Jesus to survive the dilution in teachings and the approaching famine of the word.
But there is also a revival of the word, when we discover the reserved barns of Christ to take His own through the difficult seasons. In whatever situation, just look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Be encouraged that you will not sink. Christ holds your hands. Feed on His word. Open your Bible and begin to read with a fresh hunger and zeal.
Song.
Art thou weary, art thou languid,
Art thou sore distressed?
Come to Me, saith one, and coming,
Be at rest.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus, In appointed days of trouble, call me to you where I will come to be at rest, even amidst the ragings. 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
