Psalm 105:16-25 “He called for a famine on the land. He destroyed the food supplies. He sent a man before them. Joseph was sold for a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles. His neck was locked in irons, until the time that his word happened, and the LORD’s word proved him true. The king sent and freed him, even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all of his possessions, to discipline his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom. Israel also came into Egypt. Jacob lived in the land of Ham. He increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their adversaries. He turned their heart to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.”

The history lesson continues. Even in their hardship, God was with Joseph and Israel. Everything happened for a reason and with a purpose: “until the time that His Word happened.” Joseph ended up a ruler and Israel grew and prospered, so much so that the inhabitants ended up hating them!

God is with us in hardship as well. And even though we are warned that others may hate us, we should be joyful that the reason they hate us is because God is with us!

Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Luke 6:22-23 “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.”

For additional worship: Be Still My Soul (Emu Music)