Daily Wisdom for Women - January 19, 2023

 January 19, 2023 - Joseph Moments - "O Lord, hear my plea for justice.Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips...You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong...My steps have stayed on your path."  Psalm 17:  1, 3, 5

I had no idea what a "Joseph Moment" was, so it intrigued me to read that 'every woman will, at some point in her life, experience a string of Joseph moments...'.   But as those were explained, I realized that there had been many days where I couldn't seem to catch a break.  I felt like a 'wretched victim of circumstance.'  Sometimes I was 'forced into an unpleasant situation' and couldn't avoid anger or verbal attacks from others. I remember days when I came home from teaching at WC and felt drained because very little had gone right through the day.  One problem or crisis after another.  Nothing went as planned in the classes.  People (mainly students but sometimes faculty) had not come through with their responsibilities.  Not always my fault, actually more than likely NOT my fault, but adjustments had to be made and plans had to be changed and what needed to be accomplished that day was not.  

I don't really remember thinking that God was with me during these frustrating days.  I do remember thinking that the next day had to be better because it didn't seem like it could be any worse!  I remember telling Gary often when I returned home from days like those, that I was just tired of people.  I wanted to retreat, not see anyone, clear my head, and take a nap.   But, sadly, I just don't remember asking God to help me or think that He was right there with me each step during the day.

If the same things would happen today, even though I am not teaching any more and my frustrations or 'Joseph Moments' would be different, I think---or I hope!--that I would rely on God to be walking beside me and help me get through the moments better than what I did when I was teaching.  Morning devotions and Bible study have helped me realize that He is with me every step of the way, day by day, minute by minute.

Dear Lord, I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God,.  Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways...Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.  Amen.