Despair

Genesis 40:6-23

You know one of the things I hate most? Self-doubt. I feel like this is one area that the enemy uses to attack me quite often. I look at the situation around me, attempt to "read the leaves" and discern what God is doing in my life, then when I am wrong or missed the mark, it all comes crashing down. Does anyone else ever feel this way? Thankfully, the Lord has not left me along to deal with my fragile emotional state alone. In our reading today, we see Joseph dealt with a situation that must have left him in a state of despair. In today's verses, two servants are put into prison with Joseph. Each is given a dream from the Lord telling them their futures. One is executed by Pharaoh and the other is restored to his position serving in Pharaoh's inner court. Notice that Joseph specifically asked the surviving servant to "remember him" when he is restored to his role. But, the final verse for today tells us plainly he does not. In fact, the servant forgets about him completely. How do you think Joseph would have taken that? Just think about it. The first day, maybe even the second or third, Joseph may have held out hope that the servant would finally mention him to Pharaoh. Maybe the cup-bearer needed to remind Pharaoh a second time? Yet, as the days went by, depression and despair had to be looming large in Joseph's mind. Yet, this is not the picture we are given. Joseph remains faithful. By the time he is called before Pharaoh to interpret one of the god-king's dreams, Joseph is still faithful giving the glory to God. Despite the depths of despair, Joseph was able to keep his faith in fact and give glory to God when the time came. We must each take note of this the next time depression and despair come creeping up into our thoughts. We can hold on to faith and be ready to praise the Lord when the time comes. 

Prayer: 
Jesus, my Savior and King, please help me to identify the lies that despair wants me to believe. I reject the idea that You are not worthy of praise based on my current circumstances. I love You Jesus, please help me to praise You despite the despair that I may feel. Amen. 

Reflection: 
Has sadness or despair every robbed you of your joy? 

Have they ever moved you to not worship God or view Him as worthy? 

How will you find joy or give a praise to the Lord the next time despair comes knocking?