In our last post, we looked at how Joseph was able to forgive his brothers even though their actions toward him were extremely hateful. Somewhere between being sold into slavery and ruling over Egypt, he learned how to forgive them. We’re focusing on that time between being harmed and being in power. Have you ever, after being wronged, fantasized about having the upper hand and getting revenge on your perpetrators? I might have done this once or twice myself.. Joseph could have done just that. He was second only to Pharaoh in Egypt. Aside from the king himself, his word was a command to everyone. He had the power to get revenge on all those who hurt him and anyone else in his way. That would have been the natural and normal response. Seriously, if I endured what Jospeh went through, I’m sure I would have spent years questioning God and thinking about revenge. What shifted for Joseph? What took place in his heart?

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

Genesis 50:19 ESV

Instead of wanting others to submit to his power, Joseph had obviously learned to submit to the power of God. He did not ignore, downplay, or excuse the wrong done towards him. However he was able to see God working, even in these horrendous circumstances. No, he did not let his brothers off the hook. He just recognized that God is in control. Although his body was imprisoned, Joseph submitted to God and experienced spiritual freedom. Joseph had been lifted up by Pharaoh, but he knew who the real King was.

Trauma often has a way of spiritually pinning us down and taking over our thought life. Depending on the type of pain you’ve experienced and your situation, you may or may not come into contact with those who have hurt you. In some situations, legal consequences are necessary and right. But if you have been hurt, that is sad enough. Don’t let the negativity have compound impacts by letting it rule your life.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:17-19 ESV

It is normal to be angry when you’ve been wronged. Emotions are from God. But you won’t get free by stewing in anger. Admit that anger to Jesus and invite Him into your pain. He wants to bring His healing love into your heart! He wants you to be free.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Joseph was a man that knew something about forgiveness and overcoming bitterness. Most of us are familiar with the story that spans chapters 37-50 of Genesis. The naive teenage boy at odds with his brothers because of the family situation that he was born into. Jealousy and hostility grew and he was sold into slavery; thought never to be seen again. He spent over a decade either enslaved or imprisoned, being accused of assault and forgotten by those he had helped. After ascending to supreme power in Egypt and reuniting with his brothers, Joseph was in a position to treat them however he wished. And somehow, some way…he chose to forgive them.

After their father Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers, made up a lie about Jacob’s dying wishes out of fear. They feared that Joseph would seek revenge for their hateful actions. Instead, Joseph’s response is mind-boggling.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50:20 ESV

Joseph did forgive his brothers, but there had to be another step before he could achieve that forgiveness. The type of love Joseph displayed could have only come from God.

Long before reuniting with his brothers, Joseph had let God into his pain. Yes, he did recognize God’s purposes in his pain, but Joseph also called out his brothers’ actions for what they were. Pure evil.

Most of us forgive so lightly. When someone apologizes or we are forced into confrontation we say things like, “oh, don’t worry about it” or, “it’s fine,” knowing that we are not fine. Healing is surface level because we haven’t done the hard work of interacting with our pain. Joseph knew the acceptance and freedom that God offers. Do you?

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds! (Psalm 147:3)

• What pain are you holding on to right now? Where do you need to drop your guard and let Jesus in? You can simply say to Him, “Lord, this is HARD. Come into this area of pain and bring your healing love. I need You here in this wound.”

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Do you have goals for next year? Most likely these include ways you want to improve or change. That’s fantastic! I believe that God gives us seasons and years for the purpose of looking back to assess and then plan for the future.

However, there is no significance in the changing of the clock or the calendar alone. Soul change and lasting improvement can only come through knowing Christ. Willpower can take you to a certain point, but two things that will aid your spiritual growth next year, and any year, are acceptance and freedom.

Acceptance means being comfortable with the way things are and not getting lost in the fantasy of how you wish they would be.

Years ago virtual reality games were something you saw occasionally at the arcade. Now, it is normal for someone to wear a VR headset anytime and anywhere.

I recently saw someone wearing one for several hours while waiting at the airport. They’re literally in one situation while pretending to be in another one. This is how people who lack acceptance live; ignoring reality while wishing for a different family, or financial state or wishing another person would change. Lack of acceptance usually leads to immaturity and bitterness. Instead, control what you can and accept the rest. This helps you be more realistic and responsible.

Freedom means escaping the spiritual bondage of bitterness, regret, or any negative mindset.

This bondage normally has roots in holding on to our mistakes or the ways people have hurt us. Sometimes we have conflict and we’re able to work through it with other people. Sometime that’s not possible. There are some people that I would like to work through conflict with, but I’m unable to for different reasons. In these situations, a good Christian counselor taught me that a helpful step toward freedom is to say to yourself, “this happened and it was not OK,” and then prayerfully give it over to Jesus. Call out the wrong and give it to God.

Focus your mind on living from God’s perspective (Colossians 3:1-4). Don’t let immaturity and negativity kill your focus on Christ. As you prepare for next year, say this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I want to be closer to You. You know everything about me. Where am I being unrealistic? What or who do I need to accept and give over to you? Where am I in bondage? What pain am I clinging to in my heart? Heal me Jesus! Come into my brokenness and heal me with Your steadfast love. Amen”

Set goals for next year, but your highest goal should be knowing Christ more deeply.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be affirmed in Christ.

Relationships can. be hard. One of the hardest things in life can be cutting people off. However, there are times when you need to let someone go. There are times when people prove themselves to be unsafe, untrustworthy, or the relationship is just not conducive to your mental and spiritual health. I’m in a season of life where I’m able to look back and think over times there was someone I really trusted and they betrayed me. There was no remorse or desire for reconciliation and the relationship became unhealthy. I had to let them go. Indeed, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

One relationship that we never have to question is our relationship with God. Do you have a friend that has done so much for you, you’ve been through so much together, that there is no doubt of their commitment to you? This is ultimately true of God. We’re in the season of celebrating Christ’s birth and the miracle this is. Romans 8:32 gives us something to think about:

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32 ESV

What will God keep from you? Even when everything else in life seems uncertain, you can be sure of the love of God towards you! God gave us His own Son to die for our sins. What else will He keep from us? God has proven His love for you. You can trust Him. Don’t cut God off. When you are in the body of Christ, He will never cut you off. He’s there for you. In Jesus, God has met your deepest need. He has proven His love for you and He’s not going anywhere!

Keep praying. Keep trusting. What good thing will God keep from you? Nothing!

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Lord, You are so kind. How You think, how You love, all of Your ways are deeper, higher and wiser than anything we could ever think or feel.

Being made into Your image is our primary goal as it brings us into constant fellowship with You, it brings us closer to You.

God, Your Word says only Your restoring grace can redeem us towards being more and more Christ-like, displaying Your character to others. Father, help me to show the love of Christ everywhere I go.

Forgive me in times of anger when I did or said things that were not pleasing to You. I need You more and more. In my daily walk, Holy Sprit, help me to humbly zoom out, to see every moment as an opportunity to display the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

I confidently ask and pray these promises of Your Holy Word. Amen.