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33_Walking in the presence of the Lord

Gen 39 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.

Dwight L. Moody once remarked, “Character is what you are in the dark.” When no one is watching us, what shapes our decisions, sustains us through trials, and keeps us steadfast in our convictions? In the life of Joseph, it was the constant awareness of God’s presence. His story in Genesis 39 testifies to the power of walking with God. The presence of God transforms us. All we need to do is to live faithfully, regardless of circumstances.

Joseph’s life took a dramatic turn when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. Once the favored son of Jacob, he now found himself alone in a foreign land. He was stripped of his family, freedom, and status. But the Scriptures say, “The Lord was with Joseph.” This repeated phrase reveals the secret of Joseph’s strength and prosperity.

The presence of God in Joseph’s life was not accidental or incidental. It was the foundation of his character and actions. Joseph actively sought to walk before God. Psalm 1 describes the blessed man as one who delights in knowing and doing the law of the Lord. This love for God drives him to think about living by his law day and night. This unshakable focus on God’s will nurtures a life that is faithful, fruitful, and steadfast. .

Even as a slave, the lowest of men, Joseph prospered. He was at peace in the worst of situations because he knew that God was sovereign and God was good. His trust in God left no room for either bitterness toward his brothers or despair over his situation. Instead, Joseph did what he should as a servant. Greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility and service. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).

Potiphar, Joseph’s Egyptian master, recognized that Joseph had the Lord with him. This was because his actions consistently reflected God’s character and power. Joseph’s faith was mirrored in his integrity, diligence, and faithfulness. This was rewarded by divine favor. This made an impression even on a pagan official. His life became a testimony to the living God.

However, Joseph endured severe testing. Sold away from home, one of his greatest challenges came from Potiphar’s wife. Day after day, she tried to seduce him. Joseph’s rock-solid commitment to God’s will held fast. Aware of walking in God’s presence, he refused her: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”.

James 1:14-15 warns us that sin begins with evil desire in the heart. Joseph guarded his heart, refusing to listen to Potiphar’s wife. Second, he fled when faced with the unavoidable. He left behind his cloak but not his character. Even when things look suspicious before men, it is better to lose your name and your possessions than your integrity. 2 Timothy 2:22 echoes this: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”

Joseph’s decision to flee cost him his limited liberty. Accused falsely by Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison. Even there, the theme is, “The Lord was with Joseph.” God’s presence remained in the darkest valleys of his life. Whether in obscurity, prosperity, or injustice, Joseph remained faithful, and God continued to abide and bless him.

Joseph’s faithfulness caused him to prosper even in prison. True prosperity is not about external success but comes from resting in God’s presence and purposes. All his people are called to this rest. Our risen Lord promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). This is all we need for guidance, protection, and fellowship.

Living in the presence of God comes from deliberately walking in the sight of God. It means being aware of his presence while making every decision, and delighting in that knowledge. The joy, security, and purpose of this life transforms our perception of life. Then only do we KNOW that God is with us and is working all things for our good.

Like Joseph, let us be with God just as God is with us. Let us delight in his presence through the obedience of faith, in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and doing what is good and right. When we walk in his ways, our lives will bear fruit in season.

Secondly, let us guard our hearts and flee from temptation. We can and must trust God to uphold our character and defend our reputation. Our job is to stand strong in our conduct.

Lastly, let us remain faithful in all circumstances in the strength of his presence, for he is enough for us.

Joseph’s life demonstrates the power of living in the presence of God. We not only survive, we thrive. Amidst difficulties we abide in God’s love for us. We are guided by His wisdom, and sustained by His grace. Let us live each day in the joyful awareness of God’s presence, giving him the glory through our faithfulness. God bless.