Alone, But Not Forsaken
But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21
Genesis 39:19-23
In his struggle against the temptations of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph left his outer garment with her when she took hold of it. As a result, he was charged with attempting to commit adultery, and he was not even given the opportunity to defend himself. Joseph was put in prison.
We must realize that if we are Christians, we also may end up in difficult situations. You can be sure that you will be considered extreme by this godless world when you take a stand in compliance with what God says in His Word. You will be viewed as an unreliable member of society.
Just look at Joseph. He was put into prison even though he was innocent. He did not know what the future would bring, yet the same truth is repeated here in our text which had already been said about him in Genesis 39:2. After having been sold as a slave into Egypt and being made a servant in Potiphar’s house, the Lord was with him. In Genesis 39:21 we have an elaboration: the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy. The Lord did not forsake Joseph while he was in prison.
Thought: The Lord still cares for His people in every circumstance.
Psalter 429:2, 4 (based on Psalm 138) O God, whenever I cried to Thee Thou heardest me and didst deliver; For by Thy strength when sore afraid, My soul was stayed, O gracious Giver. The kings of earth in one accord Shall thank Thee, Lord, With praise unbroken; When over all the earth is heard The wondrous Word Which Thou hast spoken. Lord, though I walk ‘mid troubles sore, Thou wilt restore My faltering spirit; Though angry foes my soul alarm, Thy mighty arm Will save and cheer it. Yea, Thou wilt finish perfectly What Thou for me Hast undertaken; May not Thy works, in mercy wrought, E’er come to nought Or be forsaken.