How to Think Positively About the Bad Things in Our Life

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Genesis 44:1–45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50 
Proverbs 4:11-13

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Genesis 45:5 "But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

As Christians and people of the Word, we are convinced and comforted that our Heavenly Father reigns supremely over every single detail of the universe and of our life. Further, we are comforted in the truth of Romans 8:28 when it says that God will work all things (especially the bad things) for our ultimate good.

So, being convinced of this truth, Joseph's words make sense in this morning's verse of the day.

It is true that his brothers callously and maliciously sold him into slavery. If you asked them at the time why they did it, they would have told you that they acted out their own will without any outside influence. They despised their spoiled brother and wanted to be rid of him.

Yet, when we understand God's supreme control over all things, we realize that He was orchestrating every single detail. Whether He actively willed Joseph to be sold into slavery or whether He passively allowed Joseph's brothers to sell him is not the point. The ultimate point is that Joseph clearly understood that God was working behind the scenes, orchestrating every single minute detail.

And friend, this truth is not only true of Joseph. It is true of you, too!

When bad things come your way, you can fret and worry and shake your fist at heaven. Yet, God has never intended for us to respond this way. Through the trials, He desires that we pray for strength and wisdom to stand tall and learn the lesson(s) He is teaching us. Further, He desires for us to be comforted in the trial, resting in the fact that He is fully in control.

Maybe, like Joseph, there will come a day in this life when you will understand what God was doing in the difficult times. But, it is quite possible that such a eureka moment may never come this side of death's door.

Regardless of whether or not it ever makes sense in this life, do not allow yourself to be robbed of the comfort to be had in knowing that your Heavenly Father (if you are saved) is fully in control. Everything you go through, including the bad stuff, has come from His hands and has a divine purpose. So, trust Him as He writes the beautiful story of your life.