Reminders to be vigilant…. (devo reflection)

Gen 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
When Jacob believed Joseph had been killed by an animal in Genesis 37, he grieved as one who had no hope. Jacob came from a rich history of trusting God and seeing His faithfulness. Abraham was his grandfather and Isaac his father. Hadn’t Jacob heard the stories of God’s faithfulness to them? Did he not remember the times he had seen God’s faithfulness with his own eyes? Did his limp not serve as a reminder?
Gen 37:35b …he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.” …
My heart hurts for Jacob, for his pain. And I understand his struggle. I, too, have wrestled with God over my children. I’ve battled pain, anger, and bitterness. I’ve walked through frightening valleys, comforting myself with the knowledge that my children belong to Him, they are gifts from Him, that as much as I love them, and I love them with all that I am, He loves them still more. He walks with them, even through the valleys. And STILL I have to consciously let go of anger and bitterness at the things they have to endure at times, knowing that God can work ALL things to our good and His glory if we will allow. Jesus, Help me.
Gen 42:36 Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your fierce and steadfast love. Thank You for the reminders to be vigilant against bitterness and anger so that we don’t slip into the mindset that “Everything is against me!” Lord, help me to cling to You always. Help me to remember always that You are my shield and my very great reward (Gen 15:1). Blanket me with Your hope and peace. Amen.
Gen 42:38 But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.”
Have a blessed day.