Yesterday, Jean sent me this picture…
Of it she writes, “It’s learning to let go of our reaction to something or someone and thinking of the feelings coming up because of it or them, only then can we start getting through things.” So true Jean.
Today I heard from Andy Stanley and in his final part of Future Family, he outlined the story of Joseph, who had every reason to be in a bad mood often – he had every reason to react badly, take the wrong road and be bitter. Not much went right for Joseph. He had a pretty miserable childhood, being scorned and hated by his 10 older brothers. They planned on killing him, changed their minds and sold him as a slave instead. At 17, he was carted off to Egypt. He was sold to the Pharaoh of the time, Potiphar, who treated him well and for whom Joseph rose to be a trusted aide. Potiphar’s wife however, was devious, framed Joseph and had him thrown into the dungeon. And there he stayed. Sitting in prison – not sure whether he would ever get out, Joseph had to trust God regardless.
Genesis 39:21
The LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden.
Two years pass before Joseph was released and he was still trusting God, standing up for God – acknowledging God – knowing that regardless of all he had gone through, God had not abandoned him. Talk about mood control!
Those around Joseph did not need to walk on egg shells. He had a solid faith – a deep knowledge that God was in control of his life. He refused to believe anything else. He controlled his response to those around him and trusted the Lord through thick and thin.
Whatever prison we may possibly find ourselves in – the prison of ill health or hardship, of financial or relationship difficulties, the Lord is with us. He will show us kindness and grant us favour. We need only trust God.
I think freaking out and letting rip – letting moods get out of control – make one so much more difficult to live with. Sometimes life is not easy, but…
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂