Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
Genesis 45:25-28 - Pessimism

Scripture:

Genesis 45:25-28
25 Then they went up from Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob.
26 They told him, saying, "Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt." But he was stunned, for he did not believe them.
27 When they told him all the words of Joseph that he had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.
28 Then Israel said, "It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
NASU


Thoughts:

Jacob comes off as somewhat of a pessimist in these verses.  Perhaps this is why the scriptures do not use his new name Israel at all points here (verse 25), as Israel implies prayer (Genesis 32:24-31).  Instead it refers to him as Jacob, which literally means "heel-catcher" and implies the flesh and human ambition.

Depending on your personality and gifting, pessimism can be an easy and even frequent door to enter.   In essence, it is the opposite of faith.  It can foresee nothing but dark circumstances on the horizon.  What a powerful hold it can have on the mind!


Prayer:

God, cure me of the pessimist in me.  Help me to look on my circumstances with eyes of faith, not with rationalizations of my mind. 

Amen


 
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