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Atacama Desert, Chile. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

God Is Present in Dark Times

The path through suffering begins with trust, not understanding. Believe God is always working for your good.

Genesis 39:1-23

As Christians, we have a heavenly Father who promises to be with us in our struggles and is completely reliable. He knows what will happen before we do; nothing is hidden from His sight (Heb. 4:13). God sees in the darkness of troubled times as clearly as in the daylight (Ps. 139:11-12). Through His Spirit, He offers us the comfort, strength, and wisdom to persevere.

The story of Joseph vividly illustrates this truth. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned. But in the midst of those terrible times, the young man experienced God’s presence and favor.

Joseph probably did not fully comprehend the Lord’s intentions. But later, as second-in-command to Pharaoh, he understood God’s purpose in allowing those difficult years. In the end, Joseph testified to what he knew to be true: His brothers had meant to harm him, but God used all the hardship to accomplish His good plan (Gen. 45:4-8; Gen. 50:20).

When troubles hit, remember what is true and take heart. The indwelling Holy Spirit has the resources to provide what we need, equip us for any challenge, and sustain us with His presence throughout the dark days. Nothing can stop the purposes of our Lord from being carried out (Isa. 14:27).

Bible in One Year: Psalms 67-70