Genesis 42:21-24
“Speaking among themselves, [the brothers] said, ‘Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.’. . . Now [Joseph] turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again.”
Joseph continues to wade through the deep waters of recovery. His emotions are raw as he weeps tears of grief for what he’s lost and maybe even tears of sorrow for the pain he sees his brothers experiencing over an act they regret from 20 years ago! Follow Joseph’s example and give yourself permission to grieve.
Respond in Prayer
Take some time now to address any loss and pain you’ve experienced in your life and grieve. Tears can serve to water the dry places in your soul. We live in a broken world where there is much to grieve. Ask God to meet you in your grief. See here for further reading on the gift of lament.
For Families with Kids at Home
What have your kids lost during this season? Have you spent time empathizing with them, and counting the losses? Sometimes it can be difficult to sit with people in grief, especially our kids—we don’t want to see them hurting. But don’t rush past it. Sometime this week, ask your kids what’s been hard for them in this season, what they miss the most, and empathize with them. Don’t minimize their pain.