Genesis 39:21
“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
The first thirty years of Joseph’s life were certainly unpleasant years. It didn’t matter what Joseph did, he always found himself in unpleasant circumstances that were beyond his control. When he did right, it seemed as if circumstances got worse. No doubt he could have easily become discouraged with all that he faced.
There is something very encouraging in this story that we find in the verse above. It says, “But the LORD was with Joseph…” Joseph was in the pit, but the LORD was still with him. Joseph was enslaved in a far land, but the LORD was with him. Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt, but the LORD was with him. God’s presence was not limited to the church or his homeland, but His presence was found in every place Joseph went.
Friend, in spite of whatever circumstances you face in life, you can be assured that the LORD’s presence is right there with you. It is comforting and assuring to know that the LORD’s presence is not limited to a building or a location. His presence is not limited to where you go to church. His presence is not limited to where you read the Scriptures. His presence is not limited to wherever your pastor may be at this precise time. God presence is wherever you are. No matter what you face, you can know that the LORD is with you.
When life throws you into a pit, you can be assured that the LORD is with you. When you’re in the pit of financial stress, rest assured that the LORD is with you. When your vehicle breaks down at the most inopportune time, you can be assured that the LORD is with you. No matter what pit life puts you in, you are not alone for the LORD is in that pit with you.
When you’re enslaved by man’s wickedness, let me assure you that the LORD is with you. You certainly can’t control what man does to you, but you can always be assured that the LORD is with you. Man may enslave your body, but he can’t enslave your spirit. Man may attack you with jealousy, lies and hatred, but the LORD is there to take the blows of man’s wickedness. What situation is it that you face on a daily basis over which you have no control? Let me assure you that the LORD is with you as you face it. Man may try to enslave you and be successful at it, but you can always count on the LORD being with you.
Furthermore, when you’re imprisoned with life’s uncontrollable circumstances, let me assure you that the LORD is with you. You may be imprisoned with cancer, but the LORD is with you. When death takes a loved one, the LORD is with you. When your body is imprisoned with paralysis, sickness and disease, you don’t have to go through it alone for the LORD is with you.
Christian, whatever you face today, you are not alone. Just like the LORD was with Joseph every step of the way, He is also with you as you journey through each step of life. You don’t have to be in despair for the LORD is with you. When everything in life seems to be against you, God is there for you and with you to help you overcome your situation.