We so often confuse circumstance with presence.

Here's how it plays out in my life. If my circumstances are poor, I wonder in my heart (if not in my head) where God is and why he's not with me in the way I want him to be. On the other hand, if my circumstances are good, well then my heart tells me that God is near. This just doesn't do God justice!

In reading Joseph's story today, I am reminded that circumstances have very little to do with God's presence. Consider Joseph's life. When he was thrown into a pit by his brothers, God was working (Genesis 37:23-24). When he was later sold into slavery, God was working (Genesis 37:36). When he was unjustly accused and thrown into prison, God was with Joseph (Genesis 39:23). And then when a friend forgot to get him out of prison, God was still for him (Genesis 40:23).

If circumstance doesn't indicate God's presence or absence, this leaves a big question for us. So if you can't tell whether God is with you based upon your circumstances, then what exactly is the key to knowing if God is with you?

One word: promise.

The truth is that God was with Joseph beyond his circumstances because of a covenant God had made with Joseph's ancestors. He was with Joseph when things were going well and when things were going horribly because of a promise made to Abraham, his great grandfather (Genesis 12:1-3). It wasn't about Joseph's circumstances (or even his brains or greatness or piety); it was all about God's promise.

Guess what? God's has made a new covenant and extended it to all the followers of Jesus (Hebrews 9:15). Therefore, the beautiful truth is that nothing can separate us from his love and that he is always with us no matter what! (Romans 8:38-39 and Matthew 28:20)

So take heart. Do not fear, no matter the pit or prison in which you find yourself, because our God is a promise-keeping God!

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