Wednesday, March 18 ~ God was with him, and he rescued him out of all his tribulations.​—Acts 7:9, 10.

[GrumpysWife]

Wednesday, March 18

God was with him, and he rescued him out of all his tribulations.—Acts 7:9, 10.

 

Joseph was about 17 years old when his own brothers out of jealousy sold him as a slave. Prior to this, Joseph had been his father’s favorite. (Gen. 37:2-4, 23-28) For about 13 years, Joseph had to endure slavery and imprisonment in Egypt, far away from his beloved father, Jacob. What helped Joseph not to give in to despair and bitterness? While suffering in prison, Joseph must have focused his mind on evidence of Jehovah’s blessing. (Gen. 39:21; Ps. 105:17-19) The prophetic dreams that Joseph had when he was younger would also have given him confidence that he had Jehovah’s favor. (Gen. 37:5-11) He likely poured out his anguish to Jehovah on more than one occasion. (Ps. 145:18) In response to Joseph’s heartfelt prayers, Jehovah gave him the inner conviction that He would be “with him” in all his trials. w18.10 28 ¶3-4

[Barbllm]

We, like Joseph, should use prayer as much as possible in these last days to pour out our feelings to Jehovah.  Jehovah, in turn, can give us "the peace of God" that helps calm us down and control whatever negative thoughts may be rattling around in our head.  Joseph could have had an epic "pity party" for himself in prison but, instead, he was blessed by Jehovah because of his trust and obedience.