Taking on Headwinds (Two Lessons from Joseph) - part 2

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good (Psalm 136:1).

The headwinds for young Joseph ran deep.  In his family, there were deep roots of resentment that started with the three stepmothers well before he was born and carried on through his childhood. We see it more plainly in Genesis 37 when Joseph was just 17. Among other received favors, his father made a special robe for Joseph to show he was loved the most. He wore it often in the sight of the rest of the family, perhaps to exploit the favoritism, or maybe because he liked it so much, or both. Whatever the case, there was a lifetime of resentment his brothers had built up through being lesser-loved children.

One night, Joseph had a dream that started a litany of unforeseen changes in the family dynamic. He dreamed about his brothers humbling themselves before him. It’s unknown whether he detailed the vision in a simple descriptive manner or if Joseph told it in a prideful, aggressive way. But as anyone could imagine, Joseph’s dream about his brothers bowing before him did not sit well with them. The brothers had had enough of this young man. Sometime shortly after, the broth¬ers were away from home tending to their sheep. Joseph was with his father and perhaps not out in the fields keeping sheep because of his higher honor, which would have naturally rubbed the wounds even deeper. Putting him in a role that would place him somewhat superior to the brothers, Israel sent Joseph to check on the brothers and see if they were well. Everything changed from that moment forward.

They may have discussed the possibility before this moment, and they indeed discussed their disdain toward Joseph. Perhaps they had talked the night before of the internal struggles and even jealousness they felt, and the discussion escalated to antagonism and unforgiving rage. Regardless, the anger was at the forefront of the brothers’ minds as Joseph approached from a distance—wearing his special robe. They were about twenty-five miles from their father, so if they agreed to keep it to themselves, no one would know about their intended murder. Their hatred was immense. In their plan, the brothers would not quickly kill Joseph and bury him. Instead, they chose to let him suffer in a deep hole in the ground, one symbolic of the hole in their hearts.

It must have felt like the end for Joseph, the teenager. The bigger, stronger brothers worked together as some tied him up and threw Joseph into a cistern while others kept a lookout, and a few others tended the sheep. Joseph possibly yelled in rage or fear, but they probably tied his hands and wrapped his mouth so no one would hear him. In a matter of minutes, Joseph went from being the premier child of the household to now being abandoned in a literal pit of despair. The horrific incident intensified Joseph’s journey through his challenging family relationships, taking him to a place in which he could have turned to, or turned away from, God.

In Joseph’s journey to fight through his family headwinds, we see at least two positive ideals that he took from his upbringing throughout the rest of his life. Both were difficult decisions to make. One: he chose to be devoted to God in all circumstances. Two: he decided to keep loving his family despite his and their shortcomings. He could have made other choices, especially as he would face further character tests in both areas. Reflecting Psalm 136:1 (above), Joseph sets an example for us in finding peace and goodness with God and family when it’s hard. Given the trials he would face, we doubt he had to make those choices just once. Forgiveness is a journey, not a destination.

Your headwinds may be different from Joseph, but similarly hard.  Thus, while there are many lessons we can learn, here are two positive steps you can implement today to help.

1)    Go back to God consistently despite circumstances.  Too often, we wait for desperate times to plead to God, or go to him in the joyful moment in gratefulness.  God wants the whole spectrum of our hearts, not just the ends. (Mark 12: 30)

2)    Face the winds with humility and grace.  What lessons are there to learn?  How will be a better person that can help others down the road?  Despite any present difficulties, focus your eyes down ahead and see the more well-rounded person you are becoming. Corral your efforts toward moving forward through the hardship and get the help or encouragement you need along the way.

The Psalm at the start speaks plainly.  It does not give us an out for rough times. Let gratefulness dwell in your life today.  God is good.