Genesis 42:29–38 ‘Everything is against me!’ (v36)
Yesterday we saw how guilt and shame can sometimes stop us from seeing God’s goodness. Once again today we see Jacob and his sons struggling to receive the blessing. For Jacob the obstacle seems to be a broken heart and bitterness rather than guilt and shame.
When sorrow overwhelms us, we stop being able to see God’s goodness even though it is always there. We focus on what we do not have rather than what we do. The blessing is clear, but fear is the response. God’s provision is not seen and appreciated by the brothers because they are living in fear of their sin being found out.
God’s provision is missed by Jacob because of loss and deep-rooted bitterness – he has been overwhelmed by a broken heart and forgotten God’s goodness. The result is that God does not get the thanks, praise or glory He deserves.
Let’s remind ourselves of the goodness of God so that our hearts do not become bitter, and so that we can give the Lord the praise due His name.
A Prayer to Make:
‘Lord, help me to see the things that stop me being full of praise for all You have done. Help me to have a thankful heart and recognise all the times You have blessed me. Amen.’
An Action to Take:
Seek out the things that stop you being thankful to God for all He has done.
Scripture to Consider:
Exod. 33:18–23; Ruth 1:20–22; Ps. 31:6–10; Eph. 4:29–32; Phil. 4:4–7
