The Troubles of The Redeemed
Gen 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
As soon as we know Christ as our Lord and Savior, we enter into His salvation, but we are also soon afflicted with troubles. We fight many doubts. Are we really delivered? Has Christ completely forgiven us? Will we make it to the end? What if we suddenly fall by the wayside? What if we are not His chosen? We sometimes have memories that haunt us? Even as we mature in our walk with the Lord, we can face situations that cause us to wonder if the Lord will turn against us. Are we his enemies knowing how we have hurt and disobeyed Him?
On hearing this strange revelation of Joseph, many questions immediately arose … many troubling questions? Will Joseph forgive us? How will their father take the whole story? Will there be revenge? Is this the beginning of sorrow? Indeed, there will be many questions requiring answers. Doubts to many doubts. Now Joseph controls the machinery of Egypt – will he use his power to punish them? Although it appears Joseph will spare them, the brothers remember all the tests – and wish they had performed better. The brothers will wish they had treated Joseph better. Those who wanted to say a word to defend Joseph but kept quiet will now regret.
Someone said once in eternity, all will wish they had loved Jesus more. All will wish they had served Him better. All will wish they had given more to Him, defended Him more. We will regret our lack of zeal and wish we had spent more of our wealth and time on evangelism and souls. We will all wish we had put in much more than we did into the service of the Kingdom of Heaven. We will be apprehensive when our works are burnt, how much will really remain. What will be left behind?
But in all these troubles, the presence of the Prince of Peace brings us an assurance that all is well. The Bible says when we see Him we shall be like Him. We have been changed, redeemed, sanctified, transformed to His likeness. We are no more slaves to sin … we are the bride dressed in a gown without spot or any wrinkle. The bible says the righteous are delivered from all their afflictions and troubles. This revelation was the most awesome event in the history of the family – yet it initially only caused troubling thoughts to attack the mind of his brothers. In conclusion, do not dwell on your feelings, do not dwell on your hunches, do not believe the evidence that contradicts the word of God. Simply continue to live by faith. Our feelings can run riot at times polluted with guilt and corrupted memories. Dwell instead on the word and promises of God – be firmly planted on the Rock of Ages. Soon you will hear the Master say “Peace be still” to all your troubles.
Song.
Master, with anguish in spirit, I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled, O waken and save, I pray;
Torrents of sin and of anguish,Sweep o’er my sinking soul!
And I perish! I perish! dear Master; O hasten, and take control!
Master, the terror is over,The elements sweetly rest;
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored, And Heaven’s within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer, Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor, And rest on the blissful shore.
Prayer: Lord, Speak your peace to all my troubles. 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
