Mountains of Fear & Doubt

          

When Jacob heard the news that Simeon, another son, might be lost forever, he was heartbroken. Listen to the grief he expressed to his older sons. "You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is dead, and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin? Everything is against me."

Joseph was not dead, however. He was a powerful governor in Egypt. His objective was to unite his family, but he could not reveal his identity. For Joseph to carry out his plan, he had accused these brothers of being spies and detained Simeon as security so that they would return with Benjamin, his younger full-brother. These older brothers were beyond being trusted.

Listen to Jacob’s anger and fear. "Benjamin will not go to Egypt. Joseph is dead, and Benjamin is the only one left. If harm comes to him, in sorrow I will go down to the grave.” Have you experienced such fear and grief? You may feel God is not working for you, yet God’s love and mercy are greater than your fears and doubts. Ask Him for patience and faith. 

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Blessed be the Lord and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father and the all-comforting God, who comforts me in every sorrow I have, so that I can comfort people who are in sorrow with the comfort with which I am comforted by God.

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made.

~Psalm 145:8-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Upended by Tragedy!

Tragedy arouses feelings of desperation and bewilderment, as the anchors that have kept us safe appear to be swept away. William Burroughs in his book, The Western Lands, noted that “abrupt change can dislodge the belief our world is safe while questioning the legitimacy of our entire belief system.”

When Jacob had to face the death of Joseph, his favorite son, his grief was so intense he felt he would die. He was totally unprepared for this tragedy. When tragedy personally strikes us, enormous energy is absorbed to help us cope because our survival appears to be in jeopardy.

Tragedy often demands changes we’re not ready to make. The writer of Psalm 119 reveals his feelings of desperation and the need for comfort. "I am completely discouraged and lie in dust. Revive and encourage me with your word, O Lord, for my heart is heavy with sorrow. I will cling to your commands and follow them closely." God's word will give you comfort and hope when you face tragedy. 

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Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and the God of every comfort. He comforts us in all our suffering to make us able to comfort others in all their suffering with the same comfort with which God comforts us.

~2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today