Genesis 40:6-8
6 And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were [a]sad. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his Lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
8 And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.”
So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”
What kind of attitude would you have if you were thrown into prison on fabricated charges? I am sure you would not have something to smile about and most likely you would be a very bitter person. That was not Joseph. Though he is thrown in prison, Joseph still shows up and does what is assigned to him excellently so much so that all the prisoners in the prison are left under his care.
When the kings baker and butler are thrown into prison, they have dreams that are very disturbing and they are sad because they do not understand the interpretation and also the fact that they are locked up in prison. The amazing thing is that Joseph notices that they are sad and he reaches out to encourage them. I have always wondered at the fact that Joseph noticed that they were sad, my assumption would be that everyone in prison is sad.
The natural thing when we find ourselves in such circumstances is to only look out for ourselves and not care so much about others and their feelings.
The truth is that many of us are like the butler and the baker when in similar circumstances. We have no joy and thus even reaching out to others to encourage them becomes an impossibility.
Joseph is in that prison after being falsely accused and yet he is still full of joy and he even reaches out to others to encourage him.
Though it may seem like you dream is lost or even forgotten, be an encourager wherever you find yourself. Do not be selfish to wallow in self-pity, instead look out for opportunities to encourage others.
The bible tells us to guard our hearts because the issues of life flow from it. It is all a matter of the heart, not allowing bitterness, unforgiveness and jealousy to find a home in your heart. It is only when your heart is in the right place that you are able to encourage others and remember, your God given dream is always about impacting others. If Joseph had not maintained a pure heart and if he did not have a genuine love and concern for others, then he would have missed out on his dream and destiny.
Reflections
What is your attitude when you have been wronged?
Are you more of an encourager or a complainer?
Do you know someone who needs encouragement today? What can you do to encourage them?
