God Lovingly Caring for Us
Sometimes the treasure shows up before we know how to receive it.
Devotional Credit: eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In this deeply human moment from Genesis, Joseph's brothers misinterpret love as judgment. They fear the kindness shown to them, assuming retribution is near because of their past guilt. But Joseph—like Christ—was not plotting revenge. He was orchestrating restoration, tenderly and wisely.
Today’s devotional by Witness Lee reminds us that God's dealings with us, even those that stir discomfort or uncertainty, are never void of love. Every hardship, delay, unexpected mercy, or closed door is an indicator—an invitation—to know Him more deeply. We are urged not to set our eyes on the visible symbols of security—our resources, our plans, our past failures—but to look away from self and onto Jesus. His loving intentions often come disguised, but when we reflect, we begin to see a thread of goodness woven through it all. The tears that follow are not of shame but of recognition—He has only ever been kind.
Just as Joseph never stopped loving his brothers through their fear and misjudgment, our Lord has never wavered in His love for us. Even when we doubted, flinched, or fled, He was drawing us closer—not punishing, but preparing us for the unveiling of His mercy.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit
I have never dealt with you apart from love. Even in the seasons when My ways were hidden, My heart toward you never changed. When you feared loss, I was storing up treasure. When you feared judgment, I was orchestrating mercy. I know how you’ve looked at the return of silver in your life and wondered, “What is God doing? Will He take from me?” But I was giving—not taking.
You are not held hostage by outcomes or controlled by your past. You are Mine. I will never move in anger against you, because My wrath was fully satisfied at the cross. Every act I perform is for your good, your freedom, and your fellowship with Me.
Look away from the donkeys of your self-effort. Look away from the silver of your security. Look away from the mirror of self-doubt. Set your gaze on Me. I am the treasure in your sack, the comfort in your disquiet, the steadying whisper in your storm.
You will see, in time, that none of your fears bore fruit. Only My love did. You will look back on My dealings, and tears will rise—not of grief, but of awe. You’ll know then what I’ve always known: My plans for you are filled with goodness and not harm, to give you a future anchored in Me.
Scriptures: Genesis 43:18, 23; Romans 8:32; Hebrews 12:6; John 17:23
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like stepping into a warm shower after being chilled all day. You didn’t think much about the cold while you were busy, but the moment the warmth hits your skin, you realize just how tense and hunched you had become. You didn’t ask the water to do anything special—it was already prepared, already flowing. You just had to step in. That’s what God’s loving care is like—always present, always ready to envelop you, even before you recognize your need.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I see now that You’ve always been caring for me—even when I didn’t recognize it. I no longer interpret discomfort as rejection or fear mercy as a trick. You are steady, kind, and purposeful. I rest in Your perfect dealings. Thank You for filling my sack with treasure when I expected reproof. Thank You for never abandoning me to the cold logic of what I deserve, but instead showering me with what Christ earned on my behalf. I trust You. I rejoice in Your unwavering love.