Made for Mondays: A 7-Day Devotional to Bring Purpose Into Your Daily Grindಮಾದರಿ

Trust the Who Over the Why

Have you ever asked yourself, “God, what is going on with my life? Why am I here?” If so, you’re in good company. Joseph’s story in the Book of Genesis (chapters 37-50) is a rollercoaster of dreams and detours. He started as the favored son with a dream of greatness, but his journey to that dream was anything but smooth. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s life took twists that seemed to contradict the dreams God gave him.

Joseph knows what it’s like to wake up on Mondays confused, wondering what happened to his purpose and his dreams. Joseph didn’t know the hopeful ending to his story back in Genesis 37. When he was thrown into the pit, all he knew was that life took a terrible turn. It took 13 years (13 years of being mistreated, forgotten, and lied about) before Joseph’s circumstances began to align with the dreams God gave him. I imagine Joseph was also asking, “God, what is going on with my life? Why am I here?”

But in Genesis 39:2, we see an incredible truth that we can apply to our lives and work during times of confusion: “The Lord was with Joseph.” Even when Joseph couldn’t see or feel it—in the pit, on the auction block, in Potiphar’s house, and in prison—God’s presence never left him. You might feel abandoned or stuck in your current situation or in your workplace, but God is with you. He promises never to leave or forsake you.

We all ask “why” from time to time. But the truth is, you might not ever know why you’re in the place you’re in or why you’re going through what you’re going through. God didn’t promise to answer every “why,” but He did promise the who—Himself. God promises His presence, not an explanation. And I don’t know about you, but I’ll take His presence over an explanation any day.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the story of Joseph and the reminder that you are always with me, even when my life or work doesn’t make sense. Strengthen me to trust you and your presence over the why, through every twist, turn, and trial. Amen.