Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to be working against you? That has been my life these past few weeks. Just as I tried to reassure myself that I could manage winter, the heat went out. Next, the coffee maker gave up, and my phone decided to take a break too – all in the same day. Honestly, I felt a little stuck in the setbacks.
With no caffeine, no connection, and a longing for spring, it felt like not the best of days. Still, as my thoughts spiraled, I reminded myself of the much heavier burdens my friends are carrying right now.
The truth is, we all encounter setbacks, big and small. It’s how we handle them that makes a difference. I wish I could say that I handled my small setbacks like a mighty warrior, but I did not. Instead, my thoughts spiraled as Jesus patiently waited for me to turn it all to Him. I allowed condemnation to sneak in and remind me that others are dealing with much bigger things, and that I needed to get past what I was feeling.
God will always circle me back to grace.
As I write today, the house is warm, I have a cup of coffee in hand, and my phone is connected. All those minor setbacks have resolved and faded away.
Even in our setbacks, God is ever-present. He is always near. He never leaves us. Sometimes, we have to remember to turn around and go back to Him.
No matter what twists and turns we encounter, we can always find rest in the Father’s love. Hand it all over to Him. Sometimes I think I have surrendered everything, only to discover I am still holding onto something. And I remind myself again, God will always circle me back to grace.
Psalm 81: 6 is one of my favorite verses, which I have shared here before.
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were free from the basket” (Psalm 81:6 ESV).
Just as God lifted the burdens from the Israelites, He lifts ours, too. He takes our worries and carries them on His shoulders.
Scripture for Reflection
Take a moment to read Genesis 39 and Psalm 81. Consider how God delivered Israel and how listening to Him opens the way for His promises in your life.
This Psalm reminds us of God’s faithfulness to Joseph and all the tribes of Israel. When I think about Joseph’s journey—from betrayal by his brothers to false accusations and prison—I am amazed by how Joseph allowed God’s steadfast love to keep him strong. Through it all, Joseph was wrapped in God’s steadfast love, his hands freed from every burden.
Scripture paints a beautiful picture of the LORD walking alongside Joseph, especially in Genesis 39, where God’s presence with Joseph is highlighted four times. In Genesis 39:2, it says, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.” What stands out to me is not just that God was with Joseph, but that others could see it, too. Verse 3 says, “His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.”
When we allow our light to shine through our words and actions, people around us notice something different. On days when setbacks feel heavy, I find strength in remembering that same light lives within me. And on the hardest days, I want to grow to be like Joseph, confidently knowing that God is with me.
Even behind prison walls, Joseph was never alone. Genesis 39:21 says, “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” God’s unwavering presence surrounded him, filling his days with hope and favor. The prison keeper could not help but notice something different about Joseph, as everything he did was under God’s care. Verse 23 says, “The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.”
The ultimate reason we can truly relax and sit back in a state of rest and peace is the reassuring presence of God in our lives. When the setbacks come, I have to remind myself that God is with me.
Even in the face of setbacks and challenges, we are comforted by the unwavering belief that God walks alongside us, providing strength and His counsel. This divine connection lights our path, reminding us that we are never alone and that through every trial we endure, we can find refuge and hope in His presence.
Even on our toughest days, God stands beside us. When we rush into our own plans without stopping to pray, His presence never leaves our side. God’s promises do not depend on our performance. He remains true to His word, no matter what. When setbacks leave you feeling trapped, let your faith and trust guide you forward.
An encouraging word from one of my favorite authors, Ann Voskamp, says, “You’re not meant to do hard and holy things because they are the next thing – to get to the best thing. You’re made to do hard and holy things – because there’s no other way to get to the happy and holy things.”
I can say that the best thing I can do is turn to Jesus when I encounter a setback. The best thing is Jesus. The one who knows me best is always patient to listen and, if I listen back, always gives me sound counsel.
Do you feel stuck in the small setbacks similar to what I’ve experienced these past few weeks? Remember, God is with you. And I remind myself that He is with me, too.
We can succeed in all we do, just like Joseph, because, friend, we’re going to choose to settle deep in God’s steadfast love. Let’s keep our hearts open to His presence and allow His love to illuminate our paths.